Global Development Network Opens $50,000 Research Grants for LMIC Research Teams Under Open Transaction Networks Programme ·Unknown

Applications Invited for Research on Open Transaction Networks with Funding Support from the Gates Foundation

The Global Development Network (GDN) has opened applications for the Building the Economics of Open Transaction Networks (OTNs) Research Programme, inviting research teams from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to conduct high-quality empirical research on the economic impact of Open Transaction Networks.

Supported by the Gates Foundation, the programme will fund six research teams, with each selected team receiving a grant of USD 50,000 to undertake policy-relevant research that contributes to a deeper understanding of Open Transaction Networks and their role in expanding inclusive digital economies.

Applications must be submitted by 21 August 2026 (Anywhere on Earth).

About the Research Programme

The Building the Economics of Open Transaction Networks programme seeks to generate rigorous evidence on how Open Transaction Networks influence participation, market access, earnings, business performance, and economic inclusion.

Research teams will examine the economic effects of OTNs by focusing on one of two priority themes:

• Participation and Inclusion – exploring whether Open Transaction Networks increase participation among previously underserved buyers and sellers.
• Welfare and Wider Impacts – assessing how OTNs influence earnings, prices, market access, business growth, and broader market conditions.

While proposals examining any Open Transaction Network implementation are welcome, GDN has indicated that preference will be given to studies focusing on OTNs implemented using the Beckn Protocol, particularly in:

• Brazil
• India
• Kenya

Funding and Research Support

Each selected research team will receive:

• USD 50,000 in research funding.
• Technical guidance from GDN.
• Strategic mentorship from the programme’s Global Scientific Advisory Committee.
• Opportunities to collaborate with leading economists and Open Transaction Network experts.

The programme aims to strengthen locally led research while producing evidence that informs digital public infrastructure and inclusive economic development policies.

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Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to research teams affiliated with institutions based in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

Eligible institutions include:

• Universities.
• Think tanks.
• Policy research centres.
• Non-profit organizations.
• Independent research institutions.

Research teams must also demonstrate:

• A proven track record in empirical research.
• Experience conducting research in the country where the Open Transaction Network being studied is implemented.

Research Focus Areas

Applicants are encouraged to design research projects that generate evidence on how Open Transaction Networks affect:

• Digital market participation.
• Financial inclusion.
• Business growth.
• Consumer access.
• Market efficiency.
• Prices and earnings.
• Economic opportunities for underserved populations.
• Broader market dynamics.

The findings are expected to contribute to policy discussions surrounding digital commerce and inclusive economic systems.

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Programme Benefits

Selected teams will benefit from:

• Research funding of USD 50,000.
• Access to international experts and economists.
• Technical support throughout the research process.
• Participation in a collaborative global research network.
• Opportunities to contribute to evidence-based policymaking on digital transaction ecosystems.

The programme also provides researchers with an opportunity to strengthen international collaborations and increase the visibility of their work within global development and policy communities.

Application Deadline

Interested research teams must submit their applications by:

21 August 2026 (Anywhere on Earth).

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the official call document, eligibility requirements, research scope, funding conditions, expected deliverables, and submission guidelines before applying.

GDN has also made a budget template available to support applicants during proposal preparation.

Why This Opportunity Matters

As countries increasingly adopt digital public infrastructure and open digital commerce systems, evidence-based research is essential for understanding how these innovations affect businesses, consumers, and economic development.

Through this programme, the Global Development Network aims to empower researchers from Low- and Middle-Income Countries to generate locally grounded evidence that can inform national and global policy decisions while advancing inclusive digital economies.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official  organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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