USAID invested $425 million in research and development (R&D) in 2015, and joined forces with partners to tackle some of the biggest development challenges ahead of us — from ending preventable child deaths to rooting out hunger. By scaling solutions like the ones highlighted in this report, we can go beyond incremental progress and achieve transformative change in sectors such as agriculture, health, environment, and governance.

When we invest in R&D, we unlock force multipliers for our work and identify solutions not just for today’s challenges, but for the challenges of the future. We can help eliminate the causes and effects of global poverty and respond to emerging challenges posed by a growing population and a changing climate. We can save and improve lives, contribute to economic growth, enhance stability, and help build stronger families, communities, and nations.

USAID’s R&D investments will continue to pay dividends well into the future, making important contributions toward advancing our national security, promoting our economic interests, and reaffirming U.S. leadership on the international stage. Through a strong R&D enterprise, USAID catalyzes and scales innovations by leveraging domestic and international research efforts, filling knowledge gaps, and strengthening thought leadership in international development.