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series

The 2020 scalingXchange: building a field from the Global South

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) promoted an online scalingXchange in 2020. The event brought together southern scaling advisors to share consolidated learning to date on scaling, consult on how to improve the manner in which IDRC and other funders support scaling efforts and help build a new community of practice.   Read more about IDRC's work on Scaling Science.
  1. 1

    The scalingXchange: introduction

    The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) online scalingXchange 2020 brought together Southern innovators to exchange learning and experience on efforts to scale impact for the public good. Scaling advisors reflected on each of IDRC’s guiding principles for scaling impact –... Read full article
  2. 2

    Guiding principle 1: Justification 

    Scaling is a choice that must be justified based on a balance of technical evidence and values. And that choice to scale must be shared. An introduction to Guiding principle 1: Justification Every cycle was launched with a set of guiding questions for the scaling advisors to address in... Read full article
  3. 3

    Guiding principle 2: Optimal scale 

    Optimal scale challenges the "bigger is better" scaling model.  Scaling produces a collection of impacts and to determine optimal scale, we have to consider the trade-offs between different types of impact. An introduction to Guiding principle 2: optimal scale Guiding questions How... Read full article
  4. 4

    Guiding principle 3: Coordination 

    Scaling takes place in complex systems and involves coordinating with a diverse and evolving set of stakeholders. Considering the people, places and things that affect or are affected by the scaling process helps us to understand this complex system and plan for optimal impact.  An... Read full article
  5. 5

    Guiding principle 4: Dynamic evaluation 

    Scaling creates dynamic change that calls for dynamic evaluation – continuous learning before, during and after scaling. Dynamic evaluation helps us to apply the other three principles by understanding when scaling is justified, what is the optimal scale, and how to coordinate. An... Read full article
  6. 6

    Final session: remaining challenges in scaling science and practice

    The final session offered the chance to explore remaining questions by IDRC. Guiding questions What were some good practices that emerged to support integration of the principles of scaling for impact into research? What were some key challenges to doing so? Are there any critical... Read full article