This issue of GREAT Insights brings together many perspectives and insights on the innovative approaches pursued to rise to the challenges of engaging the private sector for development. Given its critical role in production, investment, innovation, technology, services and finance provision, the private sector is a major social actor providing employment and eventually contributing to accelerate industrialisation, sustainable development and prosperity for all. It is also at the core of the European Investment Plan, the new EU development chapter introduced by HRVP Mogherini and Commissioner Mimica.