Cynthia Bavo Harris

I work at the intersection of research, innovation and impact capital, helping ideas move from insight to implementation. Much of my work focuses on translating complex research, data and policy analysis into practical strategies that allow ventures, institutions and innovation ecosystems to scale solutions and access the right kinds of funding. With a background spanning monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), communications, entrepreneurship and systems design, I enjoy connecting domains that are often treated separately, evidence and commercialization, impact measurement and investment. Currently, I am interested in the shifting political economy of development finance, including the implications of donor retrenchment and the transition toward new funding models for civil society and innovation ecosystems. I also engage with questions of digital governance and inclusion, exploring how digital transformation is reshaping participation and power in emerging democratic contexts.