IPSP Vision:
A world in which every human being can flourish in justice, security, and peace.
IPSP Mission: To contribute to concrete solutions for the current poly crises and to build coalitions and pathways for just, democratic, and sustainable outcomes for the benefit of the world’s populace.
About IPSP: Inspiring Social Progress Through Collective Insight
IPSP is a multi-disciplinary collaborative of thinkers and doers working to advance social progress for the flourishing, security, and sustainability of all humanity by building coalitions and pathways for action.
IPSP aims at building a world in which every human being can flourish in justice, security, and peace.
What sets IPSP apart:
- We tackle not just policy fixes, but structural forces shaping economy, democracy, values, and technology
- We unify global, cross-sector perspectives – from academia to practitioners – fostering collective intelligence for action
- We channel research into action, equipping those in civil society, government, academia, philanthropy, and beyond with grounded insights and initiatives
Making Sense of Complexity
IPSP helps make sense of today’s global polycrisis by clarifying how social, economic, environmental, and political challenges are interconnected. Its work highlights the key drivers of change and identifies priority areas for reform. Through reports, case studies, and briefs, IPSP offers both rigorous analysis and practical roadmaps. Beyond knowledge, it brings together coalitions of civil society, policymakers, business, and philanthropy – ensuring diverse voices can drive credible, systemic transformation.
Proposals for Lasting Change
IPSP goes beyond quick fixes by addressing the root causes of today’s systemic crises. It develops proposals that reshape power dynamics, highlight key drivers of transformation, and chart pathways for long-term reform. This work is holistic and cross-sectoral, engaging civil society, policymakers, researchers, and business networks to align diverse perspectives around shared goals for social progress.
Coalitions that Drive Progress
IPSP fosters coalitions that unite diverse actors – academia, civil society, business, philanthropy, and policymakers – to amplify impact. By studying shifting power dynamics and identifying effective partnerships, IPSP helps build durable collaborations that avoid fragmentation and drive systemic social progress.
Why It Matters: Impact in Motion
Structuring Long-Term Insight
Since its founding, IPSP has created a distinctive space for long-term, systemic thinking about social progress. In 2018, more than 350 social scientists from across disciplines and regions came together to produce a landmark report [Link to report]. This work mapped the interconnected dynamics of economic, political, environmental, and cultural systems, while also proposing reforms rooted in values of equality, freedom, and inclusion. It remains a foundational resource for academics, policymakers, and practitioners seeking evidence-based approaches to today’s global challenges.
Bridging Research and Policy
Our working groups serve as bridges between research and policy. Each explores critical domains [Link to activities / working group] – ranging from health and human security to emancipatory governance and urban innovation – and translates ideas into actionable agendas that resonate with international organizations and local actors alike.
Empowering Philanthropic Partnerships
Philanthropic partnerships further extend IPSP’s influence. Collaborations with leading foundations have enabled the co-creation of seminars, toolkits, and policy briefs that not only advance knowledge but also shape global practice. These relationships demonstrate how rigorous scholarship and targeted investment can combine to deliver concrete social outcomes.
Enabling Evidence-Based Reform
Finally, IPSP contributes directly to evidence-based reform. The organization backs initiatives in the political sphere only after they have been rigorously assessed, theoretically grounded, and unanimously approved by its Coordination Council. This careful process ensures that any support IPSP lends to reforms carries credibility, legitimacy, and a strong potential for lasting impact.
