Research brief collection
Commission curated sets of research briefs
Do you know what you don't know?
Talk to our teamThe problem
Hidden barriers are limiting your impact
In the fast-paced world of international development and foreign affairs, it’s easy to rely on familiar patterns—using the same strategies, perspectives, and experts we’ve always trusted. But this approach can blind us to crucial insights that have the potential to transform our projects, leading to missed opportunities and unforeseen challenges.
The reality is, no matter how experienced we are, we don’t always know what we’re overlooking until it’s too late—until projects stall or fail to deliver the expected impact. Relying on the same voices, even trusted ones, can limit our understanding and prevent us from exploring the innovative solutions needed to navigate today’s complex challenges.
Could you be overlooking critical gaps?
Project still relevant?
Even long-running projects can lose relevance. Are you staying aligned with evolving needs and priorities to avoid wasting resources?
Aligned with local priorities?
Relying on familiar voices may miss critical insights. Are you sure you’re addressing the real priorities of the community and considering diverse perspectives?
Prepared for political shifts?
Changing political landscapes can derail projects or put them at risk. Are you navigating shifting power dynamics and hidden agendas effectively?
Measuring accurate impact?
A project can seem successful on paper but fail in practice. Are you tracking the right metrics to ensure real impact on the ground?
Identifying every risk?
Beyond obvious risks, are you overlooking key errors or community-specific issues that could make your approach less effective?
New team up to speed?
When entering a new region, are your staff supported to quickly understand the local context and start delivering impact without delays?
Our expert advisory call can help you address these critical challenges, ensuring your projects are always on the right track. Whether you need fresh insights, tailored recommendations, or real-time feedback, we’re here to help
Our service
Access expert feedback to uncover hidden risks and maximise your impact
At Acume, we give NGOs and governments direct access to specialised expertise from global academic researchers. In just a one-hour online session, you can leverage the deep contextual knowledge and research-backed insights of experts who understand the complexities of your work and it’s context.
Our expert sessions provide objective, actionable feedback, allowing you to move forward quickly and confidently. Whether you need to identify gaps, avoid pitfalls, or refine your strategy, our experts ensure your projects are set up for maximum social impact. We help you make informed, evidence-based decisions that drive lasting change.
Critical feedback
Receive practical, expert insights that help you refine your approach and keep your projects aligned with evolving needs
Fresh & local perspectives
Gain diverse perspectives from within the community you’re working with, ensuring your strategy is both inclusive and effective.
On demand expertise
Access quick, tailored advice from leading experts whenever you need it, helping you address urgent challenges or adapt to new situations immediately.
Why use our expert advisory call?
What could an expert help me with?
Review project design and policy frameworks to ensure it is positioned to meet impact potential
Leverage local expertise to ensure approaches align with the community's values, priorities and expectations
Identify unseen pitfalls and hidden opportunities to navigate before a project begins
Develop and finetune a monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure smart and accurate assessment
Collaborative brainstorming to generate new, informed ideas that help to derisk innovation
Understand a sociopolitical landscape and know how to adapt current operations for a new context
What to expect
Partnering with Acume
At Acume, we recognise the demands and challenges you face as policymakers and practitioners in the international development and foreign affairs sectors. We understand the need for reliable, diverse insights that are grounded in local contexts and address specific challenges, all while managing tight timelines and busy schedules. And we know that your ultimate goal is to create the greatest impact possible.
That’s why we provide flexible options for accessing the expertise you need, when you need it. Choose between one-off sessions for immediate, on-demand support or opt for our subscription plans to secure regular, cost-effective insights tailored to your projects and goals.
Whatever your needs, our experts are here to help you create lasting impact and stay ahead in a constantly evolving sector.
How it works
1. Choose your plan
We offer two ways to engage with our expert advisory call, depending on your needs:
- One-time advisory session: Ideal for specific, immediate needs, such as a pressing project or challenge. Book a single session with an expert to get targeted, actionable insights quickly.
- Subscription plans: For ongoing, regular access to expert advice, subscribe to one of our plans. You’ll receive credits each month that allow you to book sessions as needed, ensuring continuous support for evolving projects and challenges.
2. Submit your dilemma
Tell us what you need by submitting a brief outline of your project or challenge. From there, we’ll guide you through the next steps and gather all the key details needed to match you with the right expert.
3. We handle everything
We take care of all the heavy lifting, so you can focus on what matters most—receiving valuable insights. We will:
- Source and vet the expert: If the ideal expert isn’t already in our network, we’ll find and vet the best specialist for your specific needs, ensuring they have the relevant experience and background.
- Engage with the expert: We handle all communications, ensuring the expert is available and aligned with your project timeline.
- Handle all logistics: From paperwork and confidentiality agreements (if needed) to payments, we manage all the details so you don’t have to
4. Book your session
Once we’ve matched you with a few experts, you can choose the one that best fits your needs and schedule your session at a convenient time. This flexibility ensures you receive the insights you need, exactly when you need them.
5. Get the insights you need
In your session, the expert—fully briefed on your specific challenge and how they can help—will provide custom advice tailored to your needs. Walk away with actionable insights that can be immediately applied to help drive impact and progress.
Curious to explore?
Schedule a no-obligation call with our team to explore how Acume’s platform can connect you with the diverse expertise needed for meaningful impact. We’re here to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.