About Us

The Geneva Research Lab for Digital Impact bridges evidence and action to accelerate global digital transformation efforts.

Research that Informs.
Learning that Empowers.
Connection that Drives Change.

Who We Are

The Geneva Research Lab for Digital Impact is a joint initiative between the Geneva School of Economics and Management at the University of Geneva and UNICEF’s Digital Impact Division.

Our Mission

GRL bridges evidence and action by connecting rigorous academic research with the practical needs of policymakers, practitioners and development partners, and by generating the knowledge, tools and collaborative frameworks that support more effective, equitable and sustainable digital impact efforts worldwide.

Our Identity

Impartial and Evidence-Driven

Putting truth before convenience or agendas

Collaborative by Design

Turning shared insight into coordinated action

Human-Centered

Ensuring inclusion that responds to real needs and realities

Neutral and Precise

Offering trusted ground for alignment

Principled and Forward-Looking

Guiding digital transformation with integrity and long-term impact

Our Integrated
Approach

Blending academic inquiry with real-world needs, we generate the knowledge, tools and collaborative frameworks that help leaders make informed choices and drive equitable digital progress.

Research for Impact

We conduct fundamental and applied research to generate evidence on the enablers, pathways and outcomes of connectivity and digital transformation – laying the foundation for smarter strategies and measurable progress.

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Learning for Change

We translate evidence into clear, practical insights, tools and learning resources that strengthen capabilities, inform leadership, and support better decision-making across government and partner organizations.

Ecosystem Activation

We bring stakeholders together across sectors to exchange perspectives, challenge assumptions, and turn shared evidence into coordinated action that accelerates collective progress on digital transformation.

A Global Hub for Digital Impact

Positioned at the heart of International Geneva, GRL draws on a unique ecosystem where multilateral organisations, academia, civil society, and the private sector converge.

This proximity creates opportunities to align research, innovation, policy, and practice, enabling evidence-based approaches to digital transformation and impact. By bridging diverse perspectives and expertise, Geneva provides a platform for developing more inclusive, accountable and internationally coordinated solutions to global digital challenges.

Our Partners

Strategic Partners

Co-founders and long-term institutional partners who play a central role in advancing GRL’s mission through sustained collaboration and strategic support across research, learning, policy, events, capacity development, and global engagement.