Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC)

The Technical Deep Dive (TDD) is TDLC’s signature one-week knowledge exchange program that synthesizes, packages, and delivers key Japanese and global best practices aimed at generating actionable solutions that can be leveraged in World Bank projects in developing countries.  

Technical Deep Dives bring together groups of World Bank clients and those responsible for the implementation of Bank projects in developing countries. Each session provides unique peer-to-peer learning opportunities and connects participants with TDLC’s network of experts and global community of urban practitioners.  

Technical Deep Dives offer blended learning opportunities, introducing participants to cases, partners, and experts from Japan and other countries through a range of formats and activities. These include: 

• Presentations by experts: TDLC invites experts and practitioners from Japan and around the world to disseminate knowledge and experiences that address development issues relevant to the topic of each Technical Deep Dive. Face-to-face interaction and networking with these experts are an added value for participants. 
• Site visits: These are at the heart of Technical Deep Dives and allow participants to witness and experience Japanese urban development practices firsthand. 
• Peer exchanges: The TDD format includes “shift-and-share” exchanges, where client country teams move from table to table to discuss the challenges faced in each of their home countries while sharing the solutions adopted or measures taken in response. This approach enhances peer-to-peer learning by introducing fresh and practical solutions that can be applied by participants. 
• Follow-up: The program is action-driven with a focus on problem solving and results in implementation-ready action plans that address specific development challenges. To accelerate the implementation of these plans, Technical Deep Dives are coupled with Operational Support, which includes technical assistance, expert consultations, and the dispatch of Japanese experts to project sites in client countries. 

FY24 Results

Technical Deep Dives offer participants and their home countries the following wide range of benefits:

• 7 TDDs delivered - Property Tax and Land Based Financing (Yokohama, Sept 2023); Financing Quality Urban Infrastructure (Toyama, Oct 2023); Affordable Housing  (Hiroshima, Dec 2023); Transit-Oriented Development (Osaka, Jan 2024); Water Secure Cities (Fukuoka, Feb 2024); Cities and Climate Change (Kyoto, Mar 2024); and Solid Waste Management for Africa and MENA (Cote d’Ivoire, May 2024)
• 64 World Bank Projects informed, totaling US$16.56 billion, with target beneficiaries of approximately 179.5 million people
• 36 participating countries, with largest representation from regions of Africa, and East Asia and the Pacific, and South Asia
• 261 knowledge recipients composed of 189 country representatives and 72 WB Task Team Leaders
• 109 experts mobilized consisting of 47 Japanese experts (on top of CPP city-based resource persons) and 62 international experts
• 8 Japanese Cities featured, showcasing lessons and Japanese best practices