The field of partnership development is significantly constrained by the lack of a shared vocabulary. Creating stronger understanding of the key terms of the debate – and strengthening the ability of people to act as interlocutors – will enhance opportunities, reduce misunderstandings and lead to more effective outcomes.

As part of the roadmap for systematically engaging business as a partner in development, we would like to set out a vision for a collaborative society that is so compelling that it acts as an inexorable draw for organisations to aspire to.  There is value in taking a step back from the nuts and bolts of partnership and reminding ourselves what it is that we are trying to achieve over the long term.

As the post-2015 development architecture is being debated and put in place, the role of business as a partner in development remains a critical subject of debate. While an increasing number of commentators and practitioners agree that business has an essential role to play, translating the rhetoric into action is far from straightforward.