DFC release IQ development impact measurement tool

US International Development Finance Corporation has unveiled Impact Quotient (IQ) - a tool for measuring the development impact of projects supported by the agency. 

DFC says the tool will help it maximize its global impact by enabling it to more effectively evaluate potential investments and monitor current projects.

IQ assesses potential projects at the time of their initial screening on expected positive and negative impacts, both intended and unintended. The tool evaluates projects against metrics across three key pillars:

Growth: contributes to economic growth through infrastructure improvements, contribution to local income, trade benefits to the local economy, and job creation

Inclusion: advances inclusion by providing products or services, diversified workforces, and inclusive supply chains that benefit underrepresented groups including low-income populations, smallholder farmers, young adults, women and women-owned enterprises, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, refugees, and ethnic or religious minorities

Innovation: supports innovation through the advancement of new products or services, the use of innovative financial structures to mobilize private capital, knowledge or technology transfer, and environmental sustainability.<