This paper investigates the origins and drivers of fiscal institutions by studying the history of finance ministries. It argues that finance ministries have their origins in early modern Europe, where they served as agents of spending control to support inter-state warfare. This legacy still shapes the fiscal institutions of today.

Building on the term 'isomorphic mimicry’, this Background Note explores different types of institutional imitation, in relation to public financial management reform and institutional change in international development.

This paper explores options for financing some of the potential post-2015 goals within the changing development cooperation landscape. It focusses on five sectors: education, health, water and sanitation, sustainable energy and food and agriculture. It asks whether – and how much – additional finance is needed to meet the likely goals; and looks at what this implies for the design of the post-2015 framework.

This study provides a quantitative assessment on the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in generating jobs, increasing labour productivity and promoting structural transformation.