About the Developmental Leadership Program (DLP)

The Developmental Leadership Program (DLP) is an international research initiative that explores how leadership, power and political processes drive or block successful development.

DLP focuses on the role of leadership in forming locally-legitimate institutions that can promote development outcomes - from sustainable growth, to political stability and inclusive social development.

The Developmental Leadership Program (DLP) was founded in 2006 by the late Dr Adrian Leftwich and Steve Hogg, senior governance specialist in the Australian aid program. The aim was to produce a body of research to address an important gap in knowledge about the role of leaders and coalitions in the politics of development.

International partnership

DLP is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through a strategic partnership between the Development Policy Division, the University of Birmingham and La Trobe University. DLP is now in its third phase (2019-2023). As an international collaboration, we work in partnership with local researchers across the world.