Research · The Capacity Institute

Research Programmes

Structured, multi-year research programmes investigating specific dimensions of execution capacity — producing knowledge that travels between scholarship and practice.

Active & Forthcoming

Our Research Programmes

Active

Programme I

The National Capacity Index (NCIx)

Outputs: Annual Index · Country Profiles · Methodology Papers

A multi-year programme to develop, pilot, and publish a composite measure of national execution capacity across African economies. The NCIx tracks the quality of institutional execution systems in government, public services, and economic management.

Active

Programme II

The Execution Gap Study

Outputs: Working Papers · Sector Briefs · Policy Notes

An empirical research programme mapping the gap between strategic intent and actual outcomes across a sample of public institutions. Combining document analysis, interviews, and outcome data to establish the scale and cost of execution failure.

Forthcoming

Programme III

Execution Systems Benchmarking

Outputs: Benchmarking Reports · Best-Practice Guides

A comparative programme to identify what high-performing institutions do differently — the specific operational systems, processes, and practices that explain execution success. To be launched with a pilot cohort of partner institutions.

Forthcoming

Programme IV

The Capacity State Longitudinal Study

Outputs: Longitudinal Reports · Case Studies

A long-term research programme tracking how institutions' execution capacity changes over time — in response to leadership transitions, reform programmes, resource shocks, and external pressures.

Want to collaborate on research or data?

We welcome institutional data partners, research collaborators, and sponsored programme opportunities.

Explore Research Opportunities Contact the Institute