The Big Why
Research and innovation is often siloed and projectised; pooled funds rarely resource learning as a core function of response.
What will change?
Makes learning and evidence part of the default delivery model of aid; aligns incentives for cross‑organisational learning during response.
What the idea involves
Funding Window: Dedicated RI percentage within allocations; eligibility for embedded evaluators and rapid studies.
TA Facility: Advisory helpdesk for applicants to design robust RI plans; light templates and ethical guidance.
Learning Architecture: Real-time learning syntheses, cross-grantee sharing sessions, open data commitments.
Governance: RI panel seats on advisory boards; public learning compendium each allocation cycle.
What would it take to deliver it?
Delivery process: Policy updates in fund TORs; deploy TA through a roster.
Structure: Embedded within existing pooled fund mechanisms.
Staffing needs: TA lead(s), methodologists, MEL, knowledge manager.
Partnerships required: OCHA CBPF/CERF teams, NGO consortia.
Key capacities: Grant policy, MEL, facilitation, evidence synthesis.
Where it stands and what's next?
Stage: Concept with precedents.
Next steps: explore the appetite to pursue this in a resource constrained environment if the RI allocation will cannibalise other pooled funds existing allocations vs exploring the appetite of creating a RI specific add on to existing pooled funds (that will need to come with a redesign of how existing innovation donors use their funds).
Opportunities to get involved
Fund managers to host pilots; donors to endorse; agencies to apply with embedded RI components.