Breaking Barriers for Innovators: How to Transform the Development-Humanitarian Sector
The journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is complex and multifaceted in the development-humanitarian sector. SDG 17 – which calls for partnerships to achieve the goals – has been particularly challenging among these goals.
The sector has often needed help fostering the collaborative spirit that drives innovation and scale. This has left many innovative organisations, especially those new to the space, grappling to gain traction and connect with larger, more established entities. These innovators, ranging from fintechs and agritech firms to tech companies specialising in AI, frequently encounter barriers that hinder their integration into the broader impact ecosystem.
The absence of collaboration and networking is not just a missed opportunity; it's a significant barrier to progress. Innovative organisations frequently find themselves isolated, needing help to connect with larger nonprofits or scale agents that could scale their impact. This leads to frustration and attrition, where bright ideas and transformative solutions fail to reach their full potential.
Yet partnerships in this space are transformative.
When such organisations collaborate, they create a powerful synergy that enhances their ability to secure funding. This partnership combines the strengths and expertise of each organisation, presenting a more compelling proposition to donors. Larger organisations gain from smaller partners' nimbleness and specialised technical knowledge, while these smaller entities gain access to funding opportunities and donor networks typically beyond their reach. Collaborative efforts also benefit from economies of scale and a diverse range of expertise, enabling more efficient project execution.
Such partnerships also foster a vibrant exchange of ideas and methodologies, leading to more effective and dynamic solutions. This approach enhances the effectiveness of innovative technologies and products and facilitates their broader adoption and impact.
Therefore, it's imperative for foundations, prime contractors, and major international non-profits to actively foster an environment conducive to innovation. This goal can be realised through three strategic initiatives.
1/Facilitate Direct Access for Emerging Innovators
Organisations should take the initiative to create platforms where emerging innovators can directly present their ideas. This proactive approach involves more than just networking; it's about creating structured, inclusive opportunities open to all, not just those with pre-existing connections. For example, organisations could establish regular 'Innovation Showcases' or 'Idea Exchange Forums' where program managers can hear pitches. Additionally, they could implement virtual idea submission portals, allowing innovators from remote locations to participate.
2/Promote Inclusive and Diverse Networking Opportunities
Beyond the formal setting of conferences, there's a need for more accessible, informal networking events. These include free business matchmaking events, thematic-specific workshops, and online webinars that encourage the exchange of ideas and focus on strategic partnerships. Organisations could also sponsor 'Innovation Hubs' at various locations, offering a space for spontaneous collaboration and brainstorming sessions.
3/Proactively Engage with Innovators in Their Environments
It's crucial for organisations to actively pursue engagement with innovators in environments where they thrive. This involves reaching out to spaces like innovation hubs, university research centres, incubators, and accelerator programs. Participating in panel discussions at these venues, hosting interactive workshops, or even setting up dedicated 'Office Hours' for consultations in these environments can significantly bridge the gap between large foundations and emerging innovators. This approach ensures that organisations are not just passive recipients of ideas but active participants in the innovation ecosystem.
At Athari, we believe that the future of social impact lies in embracing the ethos of collaboration and partnership. The social impact sector can significantly enhance its operational model by adopting practices from sectors renowned for their dynamic business ecosystems, such as the startup and technology industries, where networking, mentorship, and collaboration are fundamental. This approach will foster greater innovation and ensure that impactful, sustainable solutions are developed and scaled effectively.