For IDRC, “scaling impact” implies optimizing results in ways that will matter to people and our planet. By critically reflecting on how we can make the most of our investments in research and scale impact, we have learned that there is no single approach or method to make this happen.
Scaling science is borne of the belief that we can be more systematic and scientific about the way we scale, and that by doing so we increase the likelihood that our research will effect meaningful change. Scaling science is about scaling the positive impacts of innovation while carefully studying how scaling unfolds.
IDRC did not invent the scaling science concept; it is a description of the creativity and imagination of the innovators we have worked with and our reflections on their work.
To inform our understanding of scaling in research for development, IDRC explored the work of researchers who aimed to produce impacts at scale. This led to IDRC’s approach to scaling as a means to achieve impact that matters, and an important challenge to the predominant more-is-better paradigm of scaling. Findings of this study are available in several open access formats.
by Robert McLean and John Gargani (Routledge/IDRC, 2019)
View the video of the book’s launch at the Center for Global Development (February 5, 2020)
by John Gargani and Robert McLean (SSIR, 2017)
by Robert McLean, John Gargani and Dena Lomofsky
Successful scaling requires ongoing attention — from the framing of a research project, through its implementation, to its reporting, sharing, and beyond. The Scaling Playbook draws on lessons from scaling science to guide researchers through considerations that can help them to put their scaling intentions into action.
by Hayley Price-Kelly, Leonie van Haeren and Robert McLean (IDRC, 2020)
Scaling was a key objective in IDRC’s 2015–2020 strategic plan. An evaluation of IDRC’s scaling strategy will assess how, and how well, IDRC has acted on its intention to scale. The evaluation will also draw out lessons to inform future work, considering experiences and perspectives of the global research community.
IDRC’s understanding of scaling science is based on experience. We continue to promote ongoing dialogue and learning about scaling to inform this evolving understanding.
IDRC is convening a gathering of researchers from across disciplines and sectors to share experiences, identify opportunities for collaboration, and explore areas for future research on scaling.
In 2016 we convened a meeting of international partners to discuss the issue of scale and scaling at the American Evaluation Association national conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Learn more about these conversations in our Special Meeting Report.
