Academic studies show that the journey from social to institutional entrepreneurship takes different configurations, depending on the initial conditions of the innovative initiatives and obstacles encountered during implementation. Therefore, five different pathways for scaling up social innovation initiatives were developed, consisting of different configurations of key variables, and informed by qualitative interview data from selected non-profit organizations.
Name of Method
Brief description
Academic studies show that the journey from social to institutional entrepreneurship takes different configurations, depending on the initial conditions of the innovative initiatives and obstacles encountered during implementation. Therefore, five different pathways for scaling up social innovation initiatives were developed, consisting of different configurations of key variables, and informed by qualitative interview data from selected non-profit organizations.
Type/Level of Method
Challenges
Problem, Purpose and Needs
Relevance to Climate Neutrality
Challenges
Thematic Areas
Impact Goals
Issue Complexity
Issue Polarisation
Enabling Condition
Essential Considerations for Commissioning Authorities
Engagement Journey
Governance Models and Approaches
Enabling Conditions
Democratic Purpose
Spectrum of participation
Communication Channels
Actors and Stakeholder Relationships
Participant Numbers
Actors and Stakeholders
Participant Recruitment
Interaction between participants
Format
Social Innovation Development Stage
Scope
Time commitment
This can be decided by the organisation.
Resources and Investments
Typical duration
Resources and Investments
In-house
Step by Step
Five distinct configurations were developed, which suit different organization’s contexts: Volcano, Beanstalk, Umbrella, LEGO and Polishing Gemstones. Although each configuration is different, they consist of the following elements: approach to change, strength, challenge, pathway for scaling up and risk.
1) Identify which of the five configurations your organization fits into will help you understand your own strengths.
2) Determine whether there are other similar organizations that you could collaborate with (or not).
3) Assess motivations and interests of employees.
4) Understand your current market position and any benefits that could be gained (or not) from scaling up.
Evaluation
Connecting Methods
Flexibility and Adaptability
The cases studies illustrate that prior to moving into the domain of system change, organizations need to build a certain “platform” through successful dissemination of their ideas or products. Without this platform of experience, in-depth knowledge of the field, and established reputation, it would be practically impossible to make a difference on a larger scale. The most important barrier found was the internal one: the organizations realized that pursuing a scaling up pathway might mean having to leave behind something that was very integral to their organization. Scaling up involves reframing the problem, adopting a mind-set of system change, and re-evaluating the organization’s role in addressing the identified social problem. For example, not all configurations might be suitable in a climate neutrality context or for addressing specific issues regarding climate neutrality. In addition, as the skills of social and institutional entrepreneurs are quite different, a leadership transition may be required, even though such a transition could mean the loss of the original momentum grounded in the charisma of a founder. It is important to always ask what is the need to scale up? What opportunities demand you to scale up and is it worth to scale up? Not all social innovations are meant to expand and have a larger presence. Some do very well on a local scale and in turn, they make the local system more resilient. The same goes for some local energy initiatives, who might function perfectly on a neighbourhood scale, whereas others might only reach their full potential after scaling up to encompass a larger area. |
Existing Guidelines and Best Practice
Some ideas to think about before thinking about scaling:
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