The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) is a non-government Palestinian Institute and was founded in 2003 with a vision "to become a leading developmental resource, research & academic institution in Palestine". It was established by an initiative of Palestinian development and civil work activists with the aim of developing the Palestinian community policy and practices. IDS seeks to become a leading developmental resource, research & academic institution in Palestine.

IDS aims to reinforce the role of civil society in achieving sustainable development. The Institute seeks to develop and modernize the management systems and partnership between the various national institutions. It promotes a culture of scientific and academic research in the Palestinian academic and educational institutions. IDS also implement studies and research related to national development processes and contributes to the development of laws, legislation and public policies. The Institute aims to promote a culture of democracy and good governance through training and civic education. It also focus on the development of youth and women in order to improve practices related to gender  in the efforts to build a Palestinian state.