IRA seeks study projects not merely to collect and analyses  important economic and social facts, but to do so by using such methodology and such techniques as would make its findings carry conviction with all those who are concerned with the policy formulation and implementation of development programs. The Institute avoids recommendations on public policy, but it does not avoid objective analysis.
With this objective in view the Institute had established credibility about its purpose and research capability with the governments, semi government bodies and International organizations.

Some of the major projects sponsoring agencies, which have utilized the services of the Institute, include

Ford Foundation
UNICEF
IDRC
DANIDA
World Bank
UNFPA
ICCO
Government of India
ICSSR
NIUA
NABARD
Govt. of Madhya Pradesh etc.