Deadline: 21-Aug-2026
The Global Development Network (GDN), with support from the Gates Foundation, is inviting research teams from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to apply for the Building the Economics of Open Transaction Networks (OTNs) research programme. Six selected teams will each receive USD 50,000 to conduct empirical research on the economic impact of Open Transaction Networks, with preference given to studies involving Beckn Protocol implementations in Brazil, India, and Kenya.
Building the Economics of Open Transaction Networks (OTNs) Research Programme
The Global Development Network (GDN) is accepting applications for the Building the Economics of Open Transaction Networks (OTNs) research programme. Supported by the Gates Foundation, the programme aims to strengthen evidence on how Open Transaction Networks influence economic participation, market access, business performance, and inclusive development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
The initiative supports rigorous empirical research that helps policymakers, researchers, and development organizations better understand the economic benefits and challenges of Open Transaction Networks.
About the Research Programme
The programme will fund six research teams to undertake high-quality empirical studies examining the economic effects of Open Transaction Networks (OTNs).
Researchers may study any OTN implementation. However, priority will be given to projects focusing on OTNs implemented through the Beckn Protocol, particularly those operating in Brazil, India, and Kenya.
Selected teams will also participate in a collaborative research network, receiving technical mentoring and strategic guidance from GDN’s Global Scientific Advisory Committee, which includes senior economists and experts in Open Transaction Networks.
Funding Information
Successful research teams will receive:
- Grant amount: USD 50,000 per research team
- Number of awards: Six research grants
- Technical guidance from GDN’s Global Scientific Advisory Committee
- Collaboration with leading economists and OTN specialists
- Opportunities to contribute evidence for digital economy policy and practice
Research Themes
The programme focuses on two major research themes.
Participation and Inclusion
Research may examine:
- Whether Open Transaction Networks increase participation among underserved buyers and sellers
- Inclusion of small businesses and informal enterprises
- Digital market access
- Reduction of participation barriers
- Inclusive digital commerce
- Market accessibility
Welfare and Wider Impacts
Research may investigate:
- Business earnings
- Consumer and producer prices
- Market efficiency
- Market access
- Competition
- Business performance
- Economic welfare
- Local economic development
- Broader market outcomes
What are Open Transaction Networks (OTNs)?
Open Transaction Networks are open digital ecosystems that enable buyers, sellers, service providers, and platforms to interact using interoperable digital standards rather than operating within closed marketplaces.
These networks aim to:
- Improve digital inclusion
- Increase market competition
- Expand business opportunities
- Promote interoperability
- Reduce platform dependency
- Strengthen digital public infrastructure
- Support inclusive economic growth
Programme Objectives
The research programme seeks to:
- Generate rigorous evidence on the economics of Open Transaction Networks.
- Support policy development for digital public infrastructure.
- Evaluate the impact of OTNs on markets and businesses.
- Improve understanding of inclusive digital economies.
- Strengthen empirical research capacity in LMICs.
- Promote evidence-based policymaking.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include research teams affiliated with:
- Universities
- Think tanks
- Policy research centres
- Non-profit organisations
- Research institutions
- Research consortia
All applicant institutions must be based in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
Principal Investigator Requirements
The Principal Investigator should have expertise in one or more of the following fields:
- Empirical industrial organisation
- Applied microeconomics
- Development economics
- Economics of digital platforms
- Digital economy
- Digital public infrastructure
- Related economic disciplines
Experience working with Open Transaction Networks or similar digital ecosystems is considered an advantage.
Research Team Requirements
Research teams should demonstrate:
- Strong empirical research experience
- Experience conducting economic research
- Ability to collect and analyse data
- Previous work in the proposed country of study
- Capacity to access relevant datasets
- Experience managing research projects
Female-led and gender-balanced research teams are strongly encouraged to apply.
Consortium Applications
Consortium applications are welcome.
Consortia should:
- Combine complementary expertise
- Include specialists in economics, digital platforms, implementation, and local contexts
- Designate one lead institution responsible for:
- Project management
- Financial administration
- Grant reporting
- Coordination among partners
Preferred Research Locations
While proposals from any eligible OTN implementation are welcome, preference will be given to research involving Beckn Protocol implementations in:
- Brazil
- India
- Kenya
Why This Programme Matters
Digital public infrastructure and Open Transaction Networks are transforming how businesses and consumers participate in digital markets.
This programme will help:
- Improve evidence-based policymaking.
- Strengthen inclusive digital economies.
- Expand market opportunities for underserved communities.
- Inform future investments in interoperable digital ecosystems.
- Advance research on digital platforms in developing countries.
How to Apply
Interested research teams should follow these steps:
- Review the official programme guidelines.
- Confirm institutional eligibility in an LMIC.
- Form a qualified research team or consortium.
- Identify a suitable Open Transaction Network for study.
- Develop a rigorous empirical research proposal.
- Demonstrate research experience in the proposed country.
- Prepare a realistic research methodology and budget.
- Designate a lead institution for consortium applications.
- Submit the completed application before the official deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Present a clear and policy-relevant research question.
- Use robust empirical research methods.
- Demonstrate expertise in economics and digital platforms.
- Show access to reliable data sources.
- Explain expected policy and development impacts.
- Highlight local implementation knowledge.
- Include a multidisciplinary research team where appropriate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the following when preparing your proposal:
- Submitting weak or unclear research questions.
- Providing insufficient empirical methodology.
- Failing to demonstrate country-specific research experience.
- Ignoring data availability and collection plans.
- Omitting institutional roles in consortium applications.
- Presenting unrealistic timelines or budgets.
- Failing to explain the relevance of the selected OTN implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is organizing this research programme?
The programme is organized by the Global Development Network (GDN) with support from the Gates Foundation.
How much funding is available?
Each selected research team will receive USD 50,000.
How many research teams will be selected?
A total of six research teams will receive funding.
Who can apply?
Research teams from universities, think tanks, policy research centres, non-profit organisations, research institutions, and consortia based in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) are eligible.
Which research topics are supported?
Projects should examine the economic impact of Open Transaction Networks, particularly their effects on participation, inclusion, earnings, prices, market access, and broader welfare outcomes.
Are consortium applications allowed?
Yes. Consortium applications are encouraged, provided one institution serves as the lead organisation responsible for project management and grant administration.
Which countries receive priority consideration?
While all eligible OTN studies are welcome, preference will be given to research involving Beckn Protocol implementations in Brazil, India, and Kenya.
Conclusion
The Building the Economics of Open Transaction Networks Research Programme offers an important opportunity for research institutions in Low- and Middle-Income Countries to generate evidence on the transformative potential of interoperable digital ecosystems. Through funding, technical mentorship, and international collaboration, the programme aims to strengthen research on digital public infrastructure while supporting more inclusive, competitive, and sustainable digital economies.
For more information, visit GDN.