This SSIT Distinguished Lecture focuses on social implications and ethical issues to be considered when designing interventions in resource constrained environments. It introduces the concepts of collaborative open innovation and co-design in the context of Global Development and addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It then discusses socio-cultural differences, ethical conundrums and ethical research principles. These concepts are then contextualised through an African case study focusing on the co-design approach taken to implementing a cross-border health oriented, research and innovation project supported by the European Commission. The DL will conclude by providing recommendations to be considered for interventions in resource constrained environments.