Improving Scaling Performance in Research for Development: Learning from a Realist Evaluation of the Scaling Readiness Approach

Complexity-sensitive decision support approaches (CSDSA) have gained prominence in the research for development (R4D) sector. However, limited attention has been given to critically examining the underlying causal assumptions of CSDSAs and their overall effectiveness in navigating complexity and ach...

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Autores principales: Damtew, Elias, Douthwaite, Boru, Schut, M., Sartas, M., Leeuwis, C.
Formato: Journal Article
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: Springer 2023
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/135875
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author Damtew, Elias
Douthwaite, Boru
Schut, M.
Sartas, M.
Leeuwis, C.
author_browse Damtew, Elias
Douthwaite, Boru
Leeuwis, C.
Sartas, M.
Schut, M.
author_facet Damtew, Elias
Douthwaite, Boru
Schut, M.
Sartas, M.
Leeuwis, C.
author_sort Damtew, Elias
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description Complexity-sensitive decision support approaches (CSDSA) have gained prominence in the research for development (R4D) sector. However, limited attention has been given to critically examining the underlying causal assumptions of CSDSAs and their overall effectiveness in navigating complexity and achieving desired outcomes. Scaling Readiness has emerged as a novel CSDSA that is increasingly applied in R4D programs in low- and middle-income countries to improve the scaling of innovation. This study offers theory-based explanations on the extent to which Scaling Readiness supports evidence-based design, implementation and monitoring of scaling strategies in two R4D interventions. The contribution of Scaling Readiness is influenced by various contextual factors, including pre-existing partnerships and established institutional intervention project and performance management practices. The findings underscore the significance of investing in broader institutional impact culture growth. This includes critical evaluation of how funding, incentive, and performance mechanisms enable or constrain evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management at intervention and organizational level towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
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spelling CGSpace1358752025-12-08T09:54:28Z Improving Scaling Performance in Research for Development: Learning from a Realist Evaluation of the Scaling Readiness Approach Damtew, Elias Douthwaite, Boru Schut, M. Sartas, M. Leeuwis, C. innovation systems theory of change sustainable agriculture scaling up research Complexity-sensitive decision support approaches (CSDSA) have gained prominence in the research for development (R4D) sector. However, limited attention has been given to critically examining the underlying causal assumptions of CSDSAs and their overall effectiveness in navigating complexity and achieving desired outcomes. Scaling Readiness has emerged as a novel CSDSA that is increasingly applied in R4D programs in low- and middle-income countries to improve the scaling of innovation. This study offers theory-based explanations on the extent to which Scaling Readiness supports evidence-based design, implementation and monitoring of scaling strategies in two R4D interventions. The contribution of Scaling Readiness is influenced by various contextual factors, including pre-existing partnerships and established institutional intervention project and performance management practices. The findings underscore the significance of investing in broader institutional impact culture growth. This includes critical evaluation of how funding, incentive, and performance mechanisms enable or constrain evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management at intervention and organizational level towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals. 2023-12 2023-12-24T05:26:43Z 2023-12-24T05:26:43Z Journal Article https://hdl.handle.net/10568/135875 en Open Access Springer Damtew, E., Douthwaite, B., Schut, M., Sartas, M. and Leeuwis, C. 2023. Improving Scaling Per-formance in Research for Development: Learning from a Realist Evaluation of the Scaling Readiness Approach. The European Journal of Development Research 35:1392–1418.
spellingShingle innovation systems
theory of change
sustainable agriculture
scaling up
research
Damtew, Elias
Douthwaite, Boru
Schut, M.
Sartas, M.
Leeuwis, C.
Improving Scaling Performance in Research for Development: Learning from a Realist Evaluation of the Scaling Readiness Approach
title Improving Scaling Performance in Research for Development: Learning from a Realist Evaluation of the Scaling Readiness Approach
title_full Improving Scaling Performance in Research for Development: Learning from a Realist Evaluation of the Scaling Readiness Approach
title_fullStr Improving Scaling Performance in Research for Development: Learning from a Realist Evaluation of the Scaling Readiness Approach
title_full_unstemmed Improving Scaling Performance in Research for Development: Learning from a Realist Evaluation of the Scaling Readiness Approach
title_short Improving Scaling Performance in Research for Development: Learning from a Realist Evaluation of the Scaling Readiness Approach
title_sort improving scaling performance in research for development learning from a realist evaluation of the scaling readiness approach
topic innovation systems
theory of change
sustainable agriculture
scaling up
research
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/135875
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