The adoption of innovation in international development organisations
Lessons for development co-operation
Addressing 21st century development challenges requires investments in innovation,
including the use of new approaches and technologies. Currently, many development
organisations prioritise investments in isolated innovation pilots that leverage a
specific approach or technology rather than pursuing a strategic approach to expand
the organisation’s toolbox with innovations that have proven their comparative advantage
over what is currently used.
This Working Paper addresses this challenge of adopting innovations. How can development
organisations institutionalise a new way of working, bringing what was once novel
to the core of how business is done?
Analysing successful adoption efforts across five DAC agencies, the paper lays out
a proposed process for the adoption of innovations. The paper features five case-studies
and concludes with a set of lessons and recommendations for policy makers on innovation
management generally, and adoption of innovation in particular.
Published on June 05, 2023
In series:OECD Development Co-operation Working Papersview more titles