Research and analysis for innovation – New ISSA report

The International Social Security Association (ISSA) has published a report that maps the scope and capacity for research and analysis to support innovation in social security organizations. The report is part of wider efforts by the ISSA to support the development of innovation capacity among its member organizations.

The report Mapping research and analysis for innovation in social security organizations was first presented and discussed at the World Social Security Forum 2025, where innovation was in the spotlight. It explores how social security institutions engage in research and analysis to foster innovation in policy and practice, and the varieties of research-oriented structures and institutional arrangements that exist.

The report builds on a survey of social security organizations and interviews with research professionals in social security organizations, and series of in-person and online workshops under the Collaborative Innovation Hub, it is complemented by case studies and ISSA Good Practices. The report was prepared with the support of the ISSA Technical Commission on Policy Analysis and Research.

Key findings include:

• Research as a catalyst for innovation, and vice versa: The report highlights two pathways linking research and innovation - one where research drives innovation through evidence-based policy and operational improvements, and another where innovative developments, such as artificial intelligence and big data, shape the way that social security research and analysis is conducted.
• Administrative data is key: Administrative data is at the core of the research and analytical activities of social security institutions.
• Diverse practices and capacities: Social security institutions vary widely in their research structures, resources and approaches. While some have advanced in-house capabilities, others rely on external partnerships and knowledge sharing, shaping their respective research agendas, objectives and trajectories.
• Emerging trends: There is growing interest in topics such as digitalization, behavioural insights and external challenges, such as climate change and the future of work.
• Strategic considerations: The report identifies institutional, financial, human and technical factors that influence the ability of research to drive innovation, offering practical recommendations for strengthening this link.

This publication is part of the ISSA's ongoing efforts to support members in leveraging knowledge for more effective policymaking and service delivery, including through the continuation of the Collaborative Innovation Hub in the 2026-2028 triennium.