The Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) commenced operations in Tokyo, Japan, following an inaugural meeting on 10 December 1997, as a subsidiary body of the Asian Development Bank to contribute to the development of Asia and within the purview of ADB’s functions and directions. ADBI’s strategic vision is to become a “leader in creating and sharing knowledge on economic development in the Asia and Pacific region.” The objectives of ADBI are to (i) identify effective development strategies, and (ii) improve the capacity for sound development of the agencies and organizations in ADB's developing member countries (DMCs). ADBI has been conducting research and capacity building and training activities that “contribute to ADB's overarching objective of poverty reduction by looking ahead to the next 10-20 years and focusing on the region's medium- to long-term development issues of strategic importance.”

This special evaluation study examines the performance of ADBI thus far and draws strategic lessons for the future. The evaluation covered three key knowledge products and activities of ADBI - (i) research products; (ii) capacity building and training activities; and (iii) outreach and knowledge management program.