RE: Evaluating Scaling Efforts: Measuring What Matters

Hello everyone,

Reflecting on my experience, my work primarily focused on three key strands of evaluation for innovation and scaling:

1. Evaluating Systems

• Scaling requires clear benchmarks of success that reflect specific needs and contexts. For example, localized interventions may not apply universally, and some innovations might become obsolete or counterproductive over time.
• Given the multidimensional nature of scaling—spanning socio-economic, ecological, and cultural aspects—frameworks must align strategies across diverse contexts and components.
• Assessment of the value of scaling efforts by measuring potential returns, costs, and unintended consequences.
• Diffusion mechanics, such as adoption patterns modeled through tools like the Bass model, helps to understand the trajectory from early adoption and growth to eventual saturation.
• Scenario-based risk assessments and simulations are useful to identify conditions for success, anticipate challenges, and refine strategies for scaling.

2. Evaluating Networks

• Understanding stakeholder ecosystem—whether tightly knit or dispersed—can help identify early adopters and drive broader scaling strategy. 
• Addressing diverse interests and agendas across stakeholders, such as government, private sector, and local leaders, is crucial to align incentives and secure buy-in. 
• Mitigating resistance from those benefiting from the status quo is essential to overcome barriers. 
• Exploring co-creation opportunities, such as collaborative funding, strategic alliances, and public-private partnerships

3. Evaluating Adaptability

• Embedding evaluation within adaptive approaches fosters continuous learning through iterative design, testing, adaptation, and feedback loops executed in short cycles.
• Tools like the Rapid Results Approach (RRA) use structured processes to enhance focus and collaboration among delivery teams, with evaluation establishing performance metrics to drive results iteratively.