Research and Development
Vertical Atlas
New Silk Roads supported the production of Vertical Atlas, a book exploring the geopolitics of digital technology. Featuring artwork and essays from over 50 international designers, artists, and thinkers, the book examines topics from lithium mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo to global fiber-optic networks. The launch and exhibition at Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam included lectures by Kenyan writer and activist Nanjala Nyabola, and American philosopher of technology Benjamin H. Bratton, as well as a performance by Francois Knoetze, a South African performance artist.
Synergies Study on the Swiss Cooperation Portfolio in Tunisia
New Silk Roads conducted a study on synergies within the Swiss Cooperation programming in Tunisia for 2025–2028. This study examined how portfolio programmes interact across thematic, operational, and institutional dimensions, and how these linkages can be better leveraged both internally and externally.
The study also examined how shared or overlapping geographic areas of intervention can serve as entry points for collaboration and learning, and where co-location of activities may enable joint impact at local or regional level.
UNESCO Alternative Funding Models for Heritage Communities
How can alternative funding models better support communities who actively create and maintain heritage, often outside formal institutional frameworks? Together with UNESCO Netherlands and 100 Funds, we investigated a range of funding models that are aligned with Faro Convention principles, which center heritage within citizens' right to participate in cultural life and as a resource for human and economic development. New Silk Roads contributed to the brochure by providing guidance on innovative financing and governance models from lease-to-own mechanisms and non-extractive loans to participatory grantmaking and p2p art publishing and financing platforms. The brochure #Onbetaalbaar (in Dutch) can be found here: https://unesco.nl/onbetaalbaar.
Innovative Finance for Energy Access
New Silk Roads researched and produced a publication on innovative finance and expanding sustainable energy access. The report explores traditional financing tools such as grants, debt, and equity alongside emerging approaches like carbon finance, aggregation, and anchor-based financing to unlock capital and empower vulnerable communities. Rooted in deep dive interviews, qualitative research, and sense-making sessions, the report also provides practical recommendations for practitioners, donors, and investors for mobilising finance for energy access.
As part of our research, New Silk Roads also facilitated knowledge sharing webinars with the broader EnDev practitioners community.
Digital Jobs & Women: Multi-Country Research Report
New Silk Roads produced “Digital Jobs and Women in the MENA Region,” an in-depth research study exploring how digitally-enabled jobs can create sustainable employment opportunities for women in Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, and Morocco.
To produce this study, our team designed a mixed methods framework composed of in-person interviews, focus group discussions, and robust desk research. Our research examined barriers to women’s workforce participation, the specific gender dynamics within different countries and regions, and the role of ecosystem actors. This study was also transformed into a short explainer animation and podcast.
DOEN: Impact Investment in Arts and Culture
New Silk Roads conducted a feasibility study for DOEN Ventures for a new impact investment fund for the cultural and creative sector in Europe. Together with 100 Funds, we interviewed over 40 impact investors, artists, and cultural entrepreneurs to discuss the opportunities and challenges for impact investment in arts and culture, specifically in the Netherlands. Subsequently, New Silk Roads is advising DOEN Ventures, Moleskine Foundation, and Opes Impact Fund with setting up the impact investment fund for culture and creativity in Europe, sourcing investible cultural ventures in Europe, and making introductions to potential LPs.
Read the full study here.
CLUA Just and Sustainable Technologies
For the Climate and Land Use Alliance (CLUA), New Silk Roads developed a strategic foresight report, organised two mini think tanks, and wrote a strategic line of action for just and sustainable technology in tropical forest countries. The assignment included engaging consultants in Indonesia and Costa Rica, conducting interviews with a wide range of climate organisations, environment defenders and digital rights specialists, analysing CLUA's grant portfolio, and involving experts in digital rights and climate justice. The outcomes were presented at CLUA's strategic retreat with representatives from member foundations, including Climate Works, Porticus, the Packard Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Moore Foundation, and Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.