FOREWORD 

Welcome to Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED)’s Strategic Plan, “SPARK: 2027”. 

This document is more than just a roadmap for our future for the next three years. Through this plan, we reaffirm our dedication to transparency, innovation, and the sharing of knowledge that can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by conflict.

The development of SPARK: 2027 was a collaboration between stakeholders from across the globe and reflects their diverse perspectives and expertise. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of the individuals and organizations who were involved, as their insights have been invaluable in shaping a strategic vision that is both ambitious and achievable.

As we present SPARK: 2027 to the world, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We are inspired by the potential of our data to influence policies and decisions that promote lasting peace. We invite you to join us on this transformative journey as we strive to make a meaningful impact through each of our strategic initiatives. 

INTRODUCTION

SPARK: 2027 reflects our commitment to using data to drive decision-making.

Each component within this strategic plan is designed to enhance our operational capabilities and amplify the impact our insights have on conflicts worldwide. Our plan is a blueprint for action and outlines how we will pursue our vision and mission. 

The potential to expand our reach and deepen our impact inspired us to develop SPARK: 2027. We are driven by the knowledge that our work actively contributes to creating safer, more stable societies. Our strategic priorities as outlined in this strategic plan are designed to advance our capabilities and respond dynamically to the global community’s ever-changing needs. 

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT INSPIRES US

ACLED is a pioneer in providing the most up-to-date conflict and protest data globally. As we continue to evolve in response to the world’s conflict environments, our strategic plan, SPARK: 2027, articulates a renewed vision and mission that reflect our aspirations and the challenges we aim to address. 

Our new vision, “Data for a peaceful world,” captures our commitment to rigorous research, verifiable data, and high-quality data analysis as foundational tools for decision-makers to promote a peaceful world. This vision reflects our belief that accurate, detailed, and timely information can transform the landscape of conflict resolution and prevention by giving stakeholders the necessary insights to make informed, strategic decisions. 

Our new vision, “Data for a peaceful world,” captures our commitment to rigorous research, verifiable data, and high-quality data analysis as foundational tools for decision-makers to promote a peaceful world. This vision reflects our belief that accurate, detailed, and timely information can transform the landscape of conflict resolution and prevention by giving stakeholders the necessary insights to make informed, strategic decisions. 

Our revised mission,

“To provide accurate and accessible data and analysis to better inform decisions that reduce violent conflict,”

reiterates our dedication to making our data and analysis accessible so that it can have a lasting impact. Our new mission reiterates our commitment to ensuring that every dataset, report, and analysis we produce is reliable and relevant. Our mission also underlines our impact: our data will better inform decision-makers when they are shaping interventions and policies that are both effective and rooted in a deep understanding of conflict dynamics.

OUR FOCUS

SPARK: 2027 allowed us to think about a revised mission and vision statement that will guide us over the next three years. The three focus areas below will guide all of our internal and external activities. 

Data Excellence, Impact, & Innovation

Every day, we work to uphold the highest standards of data excellence by ensuring that our research and outputs are both precise and pioneering. Our commitment to “data excellence” involves continuously refining our methodologies and embracing cutting-edge technologies. By doing so, we aim to equip decision makers with reliable data that not only reflects the current state of global conflicts but also predicts future trends to help shape the narrative on conflict. 

From Local to Global 

We capture the nuances of conflicts from a local perspective and elevate them to a global platform. In the next three years, we will deepen our engagement with local data sources and expand our network of contributors to enhance the detail and relevance of our data. 

Charting our Future 

Our growth over the past three years has met both the demand and opportunity for real-time conflict data and analysis to be used in many applications worldwide. SPARK: 2027 places a premium on organizational infrastructure, strategy, and project development required to sustain this growth and support future initiatives. 

OUR PRIORITIES

SPARK: 2027 is built around EIGHT STRATEGIC PRIORITIES that define our path forward. Each of the priorities ties back to a focus area.

Success, Defined

We aim to revolutionize ACLED’s data delivery and create customized and accessible tools and analysis that are closely aligned with user needs.

Explanation

Our goal is to ensure that as many people as possible are able to access and use our data to create a more peaceful world. This priority places a clear focus on user experience and our ability to meet the needs of multiple user groups in a timely fashion. Our focus on user experience will also allow us to develop products and services that meet the emerging trends and specific demands of decision-makers interested in conflict data and analysis. 


Success, Defined

We will identify and rapidly respond to global crises where ACLED can uniquely inform decision-making. 

Explanation

We aim to provide timely and actionable insights that support effective decision making during crises. This priority focuses on establishing robust internal systems and processes that can quickly activate to get the needed data and insights to decision-makers as quickly as possible. 


Success, Defined

We will increase ACLED’s impact by providing our expertise around conflict trends and leveraging strategic partners to broaden audiences. 

Explanation

Our goal is to ensure that our insights are not only widely recognized but also actively utilized by a diverse range of stakeholders. This priority focuses on targeted efforts to communicate our findings effectively and collaborate with partners who can amplify our reach and influence. 


Success, Defined

We will elevate the standard of conflict data through rigorous collection processes. 

Explanation

We are committed to setting the highest standards in conflict data collection and analysis. We will focus on the continuous improvement of the quality, accuracy, and accessibility of our data. 


Success, Defined

We will strengthen ACLED’s sustainability through increased operational efficiency and accountability while embracing a culture of continuous improvement and learning. 

Explanation

We aim to ensure that our operations are efficient, accountable, and adaptable to changing circumstances. This priority involves fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning and implementing improved systems, processes, and procedures. 


Success, Defined

We will achieve a sustainable revenue generation profile by integrating innovative fundraising strategies, optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of our Development Department and diversifying our funding streams 

Explanation

By developing and implementing innovative fundraising strategies, we aim to optimize our revenue generation efforts and reduce dependency on a limited number of funding sources. This priority involves structuring our Development Department to enhance efficiency, establishing strong partnerships for major grant applications, and creating a comprehensive revenue plan that incorporates multiple funding streams. 


Success, Defined

We will empower local partners through funding and / or training to create a network that supports local expertise and conflict knowledge. We will Identify partners & embed ACLED locally.

Explanation

By funding and training local partners, we aim to support the development of local expertise and conflict knowledge. This priority involves identifying key partners and providing them with the necessary resources and training. By doing so, we create a sustainable and collaborative network that leverages local insights and practices to improve our global conflict data initiatives.


Success, Defined

We will lead the creation of an ecosystem that promotes interoperability of critical datasets and convenes a network of experts and innovators to advance the field of conflict analysis. 

Explanation

By leading the creation of this ecosystem, we aim to advance the field of conflict analysis through shared knowledge, innovative practices, and improved data integration. This priority involves building a robust network of partners, promoting data interoperability, and sustaining an engaged community of data professionals who can collectively address the challenges and opportunities in conflict data analysis. 


LOOKING AHEAD: FROM STRATEGY TO REALIZATION

SPARK: 2027 marks the beginning of a transformative journey for ACLED. SPARK: 2027 is not just a strategic framework; it is a catalyst for change. 

Over the coming years, this plan will ensure alignment with our mission and vision. We invite our partners, stakeholders, and the broader community to join us on this journey as we work together to create a more peaceful and informed world.