IDS was founded in 1966 as a ‘special institution’, Britain’s first national institute of development studies. Among many areas in which IDS made pioneering contributions are its work in research and training on science and technology, foreign investment and transnational corporations, trade and development, employment strategies, politics of development, and agricultural cooperation, among others. Later focus on gender, governance, and participatory approaches has continued to prove important and influential in many academic, policy and international aid realms. 

 

Sources:

Oldham, C.H.G. (1966) Science, Technology and Development: Its Implications for the Institute of Development Studies. Brighton, UK: IDS

Jolly, R. (2008) A Short History of IDS: A Personal Reflection,  IDS Bulletin 388.  Available online at: http://www.ids.ac.uk/ids/bookshop/dp/dp388.pdf