The Capacity Institute is building the field of institutional capacity science — developing validated frameworks, collecting primary data, and advancing a research agenda with direct implications for policy and practice. We invite collaboration from scholars who share our conviction that institutional execution is among the most consequential and under-studied problems in development, management, and political economy.
Management science, political economy, and development economics rarely treat institutional execution capacity as a distinct, measurable phenomenon. The Capacity State framework establishes this as a rigorous analytical category with testable propositions.
Most institutional analysis relies on perception-based or proxy indicators. The NCIx introduces direct measurement of execution architecture — a dataset with significant research potential for scholars in multiple disciplines.
The dominant theoretical frameworks for institutional analysis were built on Western institutional histories. The Institute's research programme is explicitly grounded in African institutional realities — a significant contribution to the field.
The most rigorous institutional research rarely finds its way into actual reform decisions. The Institute is structured to close this gap — with direct access to government, development, and corporate decision-makers.
Research Platform
The Institute invites joint research proposals on institutional capacity, execution systems, and delivery science — with access to NCIx datasets, primary qualitative data, and policy-maker networks.
Explore OpportunitiesData Access
Researchers can apply for access to the National Capacity Index dataset — including pillar scores, sub-indicator data, and methodology documentation — for academic research and teaching purposes.
View NCIx MethodologyPublication
The Institute's peer-reviewed journal will publish original research on institutional capacity, execution architecture, and delivery systems — with a focus on Africa and the Global South.
Register InterestFellowship
The Capacity Fellowship Programme embeds emerging and established scholars within the Institute for focused research on institutional capacity questions — with access to data, networks, and publication platforms.
Explore FellowshipObservatory
The Capacity Observatory monitors institutional trends across multiple countries. Scholars with expertise in specific geographies or thematic areas can contribute to and draw on this growing intelligence resource.
Explore the ObservatoryLearning
The Capacity State book, NCIx findings, and the Institute's conceptual frameworks are available for academic course use — with supporting materials and case study access for faculty.
Access the FrameworkTestimonials from Academics & Researchers partners and clients will appear here.
Contact us to share your experience with the Institute's work.
Whether you are exploring collaborative research, data access, fellowship opportunities, or teaching resources — the Institute is building the scholarly home that this field deserves.