Problem:

The ICTD produces a variety of peer-reviewed research outputs including working papers, research in briefs and policy briefs.

• Peer reviews are often handed in late, or sometimes never

• This involves a lot of time and wasted resources (manually written prompt emails and a delay in publishing a publication)

• The ICTD wants to understand how to eliminate this waste of time and resources and improve the return rate for reviews

Methodology:

• I designed a mixed-methods questionnaire and sent it to 66 of the research centre’s previous reviewers.

• I received 18 replies.

Insights and Final Recommendations:

• Peer reviewers wanted to feel like their reviews, which take time and effort, were valuable contributions to the ICTD’s research process.

• Based on questionnaire answers, the final recommendation was to provide peer reviewers with a higher monetary payment, more deadline reminder emails and the chance for formal / public recognition from the ICTD, which was the proposed incentive favored by reviewers.