At the threshold of the 21st century, developing nations are still struggling increasingly severe interrelated developmental problems relating poverty, illiteracy and unemployment. Similarly, while haphazard and rapid urbanization are causing increased urban environmental pollution, rapid deforestation due to growing population and poverty are leading to severe environmental degradations. Rapid socio-economic development and sustainable development are thus the major interrelated issues that need to be urgently addressed for ensuring good quality of life in the developing countries for the generations to come.

The Institute for Development and Innovation (IDI) has been formed with such an objective of helping the development and promotion of new and innovative approaches for addressing those challenges.