Knowledge sharing and collaboration
Ongoing progress in blended finance depends on openness, collaboration and shared commitment to continual improvement. Greater transparency on data, terms and performance and the use of common standards will enable comparison, learning and accountability. Shared definitions, consistent language and open access to case studies, datasets and toolkits will help practitioners build on what works and avoid duplication. Continual learning and embedding evolving best practice will accelerate the growth and effectiveness of blended finance.
State of play
Blended finance continues to evolve, but fragmented practices and limited transparency mean lessons are not always captured or shared, slowing progress across the field. Emerging platforms and frameworks are helping to connect practitioners, strengthen collaboration and improve accountability across the ecosystem.
Core enablers of progress
Strengthen and fund coordination and peer learning: Build communities of practice where practitioners can exchange insights, refine standards and learn from each other. Prioritise cross-sector and cross-regional collaboration to accelerate collective progress and avoid duplication.
Embed shared learning into programme design and delivery: Encourage learning partnerships between funders and delivery partners. Test, refine and document models throughout delivery, not just at the end. Encourage funders to embed learning budgets within their catalytic capital provisions to sustain continuous improvement. Foster a culture of openness and iteration: Share learnings widely, evaluating blended finance programmes and sharing both successes and challenges to support iteration.
Make data on returns and outcomes publicly available: Share anonymised data on pricing, leverage ratios, capital structures and realised returns to build trust and improve decision-making. Public access to performance data will build trust, enable better benchmarking and quantify the ‘price of impact’.
Consolidate and share existing knowledge: Audit and surface what has already been learned across the sector. Publish clear, accessible resources, such as case studies, summaries and playbooks. Treat knowledge as a shared public good that strengthens blended finance for everyone’s benefit.
Develop and maintain shared toolkits: Develop open-access resources such as legal templates, financial models and concessionality guidance to lower barriers to entry. Ensure toolkits are user-friendly and adaptable for smaller or resource-constrained organisations.
Harness technology to accelerate learning: Use emerging tools to analyse market data, identify effective structures and share learning across the field.
Deepen partnerships across capital providers: Build long-term collaboration between grant-makers, public sector teams and private investors through joint investment structures, shared governance and cross-sector working groups to embed collaboration.
Momentum in the market
Convergence the global blended finance network providing data, research, training and market intelligence. Its knowledge products and deal database help practitioners design more effective and scalable transactions.
Blended Finance Collective a practitioner-led network that connects funders, investors and intermediaries to share learning and coordinate action across the blended finance ecosystem.
Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) produces research, impact measurement tools and standards that strengthen transparency and improve data consistency across impact and blended finance markets.
Catalytic Capital Consortium (C3) a research and learning hub that advances understanding of how catalytic and concessional capital can mobilise additional investment for sustainable development.
Investment Mobilization Collaboration Alliance (IMCA) a coalition of DFIs, MDBs and philanthropic actors working to share data, harmonise processes and increase the effectiveness of investment mobilisation efforts.
Scaling Capital for Sustainable Development (SCALED) a collaborative initiative that promotes shared metrics, joint learning and partnership between investors to accelerate capital flows into sustainable development.
LSE Blended Finance Lab hosted by the International Sustainable Finance Centre, provides a platform for research, experimentation and cross-sector collaboration to improve the design and scaling of blended finance solutions.