An ad hoc committee will undertake a study of Science, Technology, Innovation and Partnership initiatives at USAID that will include: (1) an assessment of the development potential for STIP in assistance programs at USAID, drawing on comparative approaches taken by foreign official development assistance agencies and philanthropic donors; and (2) an analysis of USAID’s approach to designing and implementing STIP activities, drawing on existing evaluations, data and evidence of effectiveness about the efforts of the last decade. The committee will consider USAID’s programs that are in place and those that are planned for implementation, including current approaches to monitoring impact of such investments. The analysis will include the role of gender integration in STIP and the effectiveness of USAID STIP programs intended to redress gender inequality. The committee will be particularly mindful of looking beyond specific program needs to opportunities for building international STIP capacity, whether in individuals, institutions or infrastructure.

The committee will produce a consensus report with recommendations for USAID moving forward in the STIP arena, with a focus on what can be implemented in 2017-2018. Recommendations will identify both potential short-term actions by the Agency to build on current momentum as well as longer term opportunities to build stronger partnerships in the U.S. and developing countries for the mobilization of science and technology for innovation. Recommendations will be both inward-looking in focusing on what USAID can implement through management changes, as well as outward-looking in increasing improved development outcomes and expanded partnerships. Where relevant, the committee may also make recommendations on STIP’s role in addressing gender inequality and on further research and analysis to inform the period beyond 2018.