Scaling Impact for Sustainable Development

Every year, billions of dollars are invested in promising solutions to global challenges, yet many miss the opportunity to deliver impact at optimal scale. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we need to think beyond isolated projects and focus on scaling the impact of research and innovation.

This course introduces a practical approach to scaling for the public good. Unlike models that just focus on growth and replication, it offers guiding principles and tools to help innovators navigate scaling impact in uncertain and dynamic real-world contexts.

Scaling impact places people, communities, and the planet at the center of the scaling process. It is grounded in the experience of innovators across the Global South and complements—rather than replaces—other scaling frameworks and approaches.

Taught by a global faculty of researchers and practitioners, the course combines short videos on theory and real-world case studies, with interactive activities you can complete at your own pace.

Target Audience

Researchers, practitioners, funders, policymakers, and students working toward sustainable and equitable development

Learning Objectives

Develop a new scaling mindset for sustainable and equitable development
Understand why traditional models often fall short for the public good
Explore four guiding principles for scaling impact
Gain skills to critically assess and navigate decisions about scale in complex settings