Supporting a systems approach to scaling for all; insights from using the Scaling Scan tool

Summary

CONTEXT: Approaches to scaling are persistently linear and focus on a single innovation, an innovator to control the scaling process, and a purpose driven by donor accountability. Alternative approaches that better reflect the complexity involved in sustainable development draw on systems thinking theory, but are hardly used. The Scaling Scan tool facilitates the integration of a systems approach to scaling to a broad public. OBJECTIVE: This study draws from almost six years of experience using and adapting the Scaling Scan tool to deepen the theoretical and empirical understanding of what a systems approach to scaling is and what challenges project teams and organizations face to embrace this. METHODS: This study uses data retrieved between 2017 and 2023 from 54 workshops where the Scaling Scan was used to scale innovations for sustainable development. Data were complemented with a literature study and SWOT analysis to understand the use, users, and user adaptations of the Scaling Scan tool. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The Scaling Scans' focus on context, unintended consequences and the facilitation of collective understanding and collective action are important components of a systems approach to scaling. Multiple adaptations to the tools have been made by users to facilitate even more collective understanding. However, the early focus on “the” innovation to scale and the intrinsic assumption that this innovation addresses a key root cause or leverage point in the system risks to perpetuate a linear approach to scaling. The scoring of the scaling ingredients show a tendency to focus on familiar disciplines (mostly technical), limiting progression beyond a “bigger pilot” and engage with what or who is required for innovations to contribute to large scale change, such as market and public support. Transitioning from a linear to a systems approach to scaling is challenging because business models of research organizations depend on high adoption of “their” innovations. We find that, there are far-reaching implications of embracing a systems approach to scaling which not everyone may want or can accept. SIGNIFICANCE: We can no longer assume that complex systemic problems such as hunger and poverty will be solved by having more of an innovation. Yet this is still the dominant approach for research for development organizations to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. The experience with the Scaling Scan contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of tools to facilitate the integration of systems thinking in innovation and scaling initiatives aimed at sustainable development.