The 15 most popular downloads of publications produced by the DCED and its Working Groups on www.enterprise-development.org in 2024 are listed below (most popular first).
1. The DCED Standard for Measuring Results in Private Sector Development (2017)
Covers the detailed Control Points and Compliance Criteria of the Standard – primarily intended for programmes that are using the Standard in their management processes. It also covers scoring and definitions. Introductory materials and guidance are better places to start, for those who are curious. En français. En español.
2. One-page summary of the DCED Standard for Results Measurement (2019)
Summarises what the Standard consists of, and what the benefits of using it are. En français. En español.
3. Two-page overview of Private
Sector Development (2025)
Provides an overview of the generally-accepted categories within the field of Private Sector Development, with links to the relevant parts of the DCED website for further information. En français. En español. N.B. the version that was among the top downloads was first published in 2019. An updated version of the note was published in February 2025.
4. DCED Reader on Results Measurement (2018)
Provides a 25-page overview of what the Standard is, case studies on use of the Standard, and practical ways to get involved. En français. En español.
5. Synthesis Note on Private Sector Engagement (2022)
Introduces PSE as a new way of operating to achieve the SDGs; also offers a summary of key issues for staff already implementing PSE strategies or working to professionalise their agencies’ PSE approach. En français. En español.
6. Synthesis Note on Industrial Policy (2021)
Defines Industrial Policy and outlines key debates, such as over which (if any) sectors Industrial Policy should target to achieve development aims. En français. En español.
7. Guidelines to the DCED Standard for Results Measurement: Articulating the results chain (2017)
Explains what results chains are, how to articulate them, and how to use them. It also explains the requirements of the DCED Standard in this area. (En français. En español.)
8. Business Development Services for Small Enterprises: Guiding principles for donor intervention (2001)
Apparently a timeless classic, this sets out the early thinking that led to the approach of Market Systems Development (MSD, also sometimes called M4P); it was based on case material gleaned through a series of five conferences, organised by the Committee over two years. Controversial when it first came out. En français. En español.
9. Agency PSD Strategies: State of the art (2025)
4-pager on trends and priorities in donor strategies. N.B. the version that was among the top downloads was published in 2018. An updated version of the note was published in January 2025.
10. Redefining Power: Women-led sustainable energy solutions (2024)
One of a series of five briefs that challenges the dominant narrative that portrays women as victims of climate change, instead portraying women as active agents of change. The briefs each highlight a different theme under the umbrella of WEE and climate change; this brief focusses on donor-supported sustainable energy solutions. You can also watch a 2024 webinar co-hosted with the GGKP that featured a conversation between two of the women showcased in this brief (en français).
11. Seeding Success: Donor strategies for supporting women-led climate initiatives (2024)
One of a series of five briefs that challenges the dominant narrative that portrays women as victims of climate change, instead portraying women as active agents of change. Briefs 1 – 4 each highlight a different theme under the umbrella of WEE and climate change. This is the 5th brief in the series, which presents donor good practices that emerged from the four preceding briefs in the hope of inspiring donors to advance women’s economic empowerment to address climate change.
12. Promoting Responsible Business Conduct: A scoping paper for donors supporting Private Sector Engagement (2022)
Provides definitions of terminology related to Responsible Business Conduct and takes readers through the current practice, debates and implications of donor government instruments to promote effective RBC.
13. Guidelines to the DCED Standard for Results Measurement: Defining indicators (2018)
Explains what indicators are, how to choose them, and gives examples; it also touches on qualitative and proxy indicators, how to use them, and links to other resources.
14. Natural Resource Management: Empowering women, nurturing nature (2024)
One of a series of five briefs that challenges the dominant narrative that portrays women as victims of climate change, instead portraying women as active agents of change. The briefs each highlight a different theme under the umbrella of WEE and climate change; this brief focusses on donor-supported natural resource management initiatives.
15. WTO Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement: An overview of reform measures, good practice and potential donor support (2023)
In 2023, members of the WTO were finalising a multilateral Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement. This report was prepared for the DCED’s Business Environment Working Group to offer an overview of the text as it was being negotiated. As well as describing the text, it sets out examples of successful reforms across the identified policy areas.