What do we mean by system innovation?
Within Water Wise Societies, system innovation involves taking a holistic approach to solving complex and deeply rooted societal challenges. Rather than focusing on individual solutions, the goal is to influence multiple parts of the system simultaneously by creating the conditions across all five system dimensions that together enable transformation: Money and value, Transition infrastructure, Technology, products, and processes; Policy and governance and Acceptance and behavioral change.
By developing and linking these dimensions and building on previous findings, the program is gradually creating greater scope for transformation at the local, regional, national, and global levels—from individuals and organizations to systems.
Phase model for calls based on purpose and function in the innovation chain
Our phase model creates a coherent structure in which each call for proposals has a natural place. It makes it easier for applicants to identify the right level and the right time to apply. The phase model describes the typical characteristics of initiatives in each phase, while specific requirements and evaluation criteria are outlined in the text of each individual call for proposals.
The model strengthens the mission’s long-term implementation capacity by ensuring that projects in the Explore & mobilize can progress to Develop & test and, in some cases, Implementation & transition.
However, the phase model is not an assessment of the call’s quality or level of ambition; it merely describes its function in the innovation chain. The model is not necessarily linear and not all innovations need to follow the steps of the phase model in sequence. Nor do the duration and scope of a call for proposals necessarily depend on the phase into which it is categorized.
Some initiatives, such as the transition labs, are expected to operate across multiple phases. Other initiatives, such as mission-strategic initiatives, may impose requirements that differ from what is typical for a particular phase.
The three stages of the phase model
A wide range of efforts
Over the program’s 10-year run, many differentvarious types of calls for proposals will be announced – some large, some small, some broad, and some narrow. Certain types of calls for proposals will recur, while others are announced only once.
Theory of change
Water Wise Societies has a theory of change that describes how the program is intended to bring about the desired transformation. It illustrates the relationship between the program’s goals, interventions, and expected outcomes, and serves as an overarching framework for the program’s development, management, and organization.
