Improving Scaling Performance in Research for Development
Learning from a Realist Evaluation of the Scaling Readiness Approach
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12252004 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Elias Damtew (0000-0003-4902-3206, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, corresponding author), Boru Douthwaite (0000-0003-0018-4340), Michelle Schut (0000-0002-3361-4581, Wageningen University & Research), Murat Sartas (0000-0001-7331-4201, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture), Cees Leeuwis (0000-0003-1146-9413, Wageningen University & Research) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pages | 1392-1418 |
| Publication date | 2023-05-17 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | European Journal of Development Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0957-8811 • E-ISSN: 1743-9728 |
| Publisher | Palgrave Macmillan (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1057/s41287-023-00586-w |
| OpenAlex | W4376959459 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 41 |
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
Business · Development anthropology · Development studies · Economic growth · Economics · Gender and development · Implementation research · Incentive · International development · Intervention (counseling · Knowledge management · Management science · Political science · Process management · Psychological intervention · Scaling · Sustainable development · Community Development and Social Impact · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Computer Science · Evaluation and Performance Assessment · Psychology
Process-Tracing Methods
The Science of Evaluation
Evolution of systems approaches to agricultural innovation
Approaches and terminology for causal analysis in land systems science
Translating Sustainabilities between Green Niches and Socio-Technical Regimes
Scaling Out, Scaling Up, Scaling Deep
Systemic perspectives on scaling agricultural innovations. A review
Approaches and Methodologies in the Social Sciences
Bundling innovations to transform agri-food systems
Tracing Causal Mechanisms
Exploring ways to reconcile accountability and learning in the evaluation of niche experiments
The contribution of process tracing to theory-based evaluations of complex aid instruments
Using Programme Theory to Evaluate Complicated and Complex Aspects of Interventions
Evidence-based Policy
Dynamics and distribution of public and private research and extension roles for technological innovation and diffusion
The politics of scaling
Mechanism and Explanation
Context and Causal Mechanisms in Political Analysis
Operationalizing inclusive innovation
Enhancing the Reflexivity of System Innovation Projects With System Analyses
Unpacking Black Boxes
Middle-range realism
| Unique citing works | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 2 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 2 |