This event marked the launch of the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) Business and Development Centre (BDC).  The event brought together policymakers, business, academia and civil society to consider how the impacts of business on development can be improved. There is significant consensus that business has an important role to play in driving innovation, promoting economic growth and improving the wellbeing of communities in poorer countries. The aim of the IDS Business and Development Centre is to generate much-needed evidence around how this can be achieved.