Systems change frameworks — a proliferation
In 2022, I read numerous systems change frameworks. I selected reports and documents that sought to describe what a system or systems change was.
I did not select reports or guidelines that focused on or only provided guidance on how to ‘do’ systems change. There are many of these too (for instance, here, here, here and here).
Since 2022 there continues to be a proliferation of frameworks. I have also noticed a trend of using nature-based graphics or references to illustrate systems and systems change, which is interesting given people are at the heart of both. For instance, beyond the well-used ice-berg and water, there are now also trees and roots, waves and soil and others. And washing machines.
Given there is no right or wrong framework this explosion of frameworks is understandable. Each signals an organisation’s or individual’s understanding of systems and systems change at the time the framework was developed. I expect organisations are also trying to stand out from the ‘systems change’ crowd, which is growing rapidly across issues and sectors.
It’s interesting to see the similarities and differences, which I summarised here. When I have some time, I might update this analysis although perhaps it is hard to see how much new frameworks will differ — maybe in words used but perhaps less so in intent.
Here is a working list of frameworks. Note the hyperlinks may break over time but a quick search will likely help you find what you are looking for. I will periodically seek to keep
ACDI/VOCA (2020). Metrics and data for self-reliance. Transforming market systems activity. USAID, Honduras
Australian Prevention Partnership Centre (2021). A prevention systems change framework. The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre is funded by the NHMRC, Australian Government Department of Health, ACT Health, Cancer Council Australia, NSW Ministry of Health, Wellbeing SA, Tasmanian Department of Health, and VicHealth. The Prevention Centre is hosted by the Sax Institute.
Buck Willison, J. et al (2012). Process and Systems Change Evaluation Findings from the Transition from Jail to Community Initiative
Cabaj, M (2018). Evaluating systems changes results — an inquiry framework. Tamarack Institute
Cabaj, M (Date?). A set of principles for evaluating systems change efforts.
Chaplowe, S., Gupta, T., Begg, S., Clarke, L., and Rowen, L. (2021). Results Framework for the Systems Impact Assessment of the Renewable Energy for Refugees (RE4R) Project
Climate Investment Fund (2021). Transformational change concepts. Transformational Change Learning Brief. World Bank.
Coffman, J (2007). A framework for evaluating systems initiatives. Build Strong Foundations for our youngest children.
Cordis Bright (2020). Evaluating system change. Challenges and approaches.
Downing, J., Field, M., Ripley, M., and Sebstad, J. (2018). Market Systems Resilience A framework for measurement. Building Capacity for African Agricultural Transformation, USAID Bureau of Food Security.
Endeavour Insight / Argidius (2022). Self-propelling eco-system development: Six Principles for Supporting and Funding High-Impact Entrepreneurs
Feed the Future Bangladesh Agricultural Value Chains Project (July 2018). Systemic Change CLA Case Study. USAID
Foster-Fishman, P and Watson, E (2012). ‘The ABLe Change Framework: A Conceptual and Methodological Tool for Promoting Systems Change’ in American Journal Community Psychology, 49:503–516.
Fabian Carlos-Guhl, Mike Ducker, Morten Seja (2020). Strengthening Entrepreneurial Eco-systems. An interactive guide for development professionals. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Bonn.
Global Obesity Prevention Center (GOPC), Johns Hopkins, Global Knowledge Initiative (GKI), LINC and Resilient Africa Network (RAN). (2016). SPACES MERL Systems and Complexity White Paper. United States Agency for International Development, Washington D.C.
Kania, J., Kramer, M., Senge, P. (2018). The Water of Systems Change. FSG.
Kessler, Adam (2021). Assessing Systemic Change Implementation Guidelines for the Donor Committee for Enterprise Development Standard. Donor Committee for Enterprise Development, Cambridge.
Lathan, N (2014). A Practical Guide to Evaluating Systems Change in a Human Services System Context. Learning for Action / Center for Evaluation Innovation.
Leadbeater, C and Winhall, J (2020). Building Better Systems — A Green Paper on System Innovation. Rockwool Foundation
Lomax, J (2020). Six Steps to assess systemic change (and improve your strategy). 3sd.Research. Updated December 2020
Miehlbradt, A. Shah, R., Posthumus, H and Kessler, A (2020). A Pragmatic Approach to Assessing System Change: How to put it into practice
Nippard, D., Hitchins, R., and Elliott, D. (2014). Adopt-Adapt-Expand-Respond: a framework for managing and measuring systemic change processes. Briefing Paper. The Springfield Centre for Business in Development
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (2019). Assessing Systems Change: A Funders’ Workshop Report
USAID (2016). Disrupting systems dynamics: a framework for understanding systemic changes. Leveraging Economic Opportunities, Report №47.
USAID (2018). Monitoring and Evaluation Within Market Systems Development: Literature Review Summary Report. Feed the Future Enabling Environment for Food Security Project.
USAID (2020). Practical analytical framework for inclusive entrepreneurial market systems: assessing the underlying factors enabling inclusive economic growth. Feed the Future Enabling Environment for Food Security Project.
USAID (2016). Technical Note: The 5RS Framework in the program cycle. United States Agency for International Development, Washington D.C.
As noted, I will aim to update from time to time. If you have or know other frameworks that seek to describe systems and systems change (not how to do systems change) please add in comments.
