The Convening Function

Ecosystem research and activation

The Response Innovation Labs offer three functions for designing solutions that meet specific challenges in the humanitarian response. The challenges are identified by bringing together actors from across the response - traditional humanitarian actors (UN, I/NGOs, government), local civil society organizations, universities and research centers, social entrepreneurs, innovation hubs and private enterprises of all size.  In doing so, challenges are mapped as they are felt and seen and we are able to understand how cross sectorial they are. Knowing this empowers tackling challenges at their root, with solutions that create a ripple effect.

Another outcome of the Convening is the building of a humanitarian innovation ecosystem that is supportive of growth. The Convening’s are done locally using human-centered design principles. Typically, they are large-scale events or sector specific meetings though in light of COVID-19, many are now virtual. The labs find that through the process of Convening, all the actors involved are identified along with a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities. This empowers local actors with the knowledge for more open dialogue and collaboration.

Once the challenges are identified, they are captured, mapped, and then matched with innovations from the local or global humanitarian ecosystem. The Challenge Maps are then used to communicate across the ecosystem as innovations are introduced into the ecosystem and impact is made.

Next, is the matching of solutions to these identified challenges through the process of Matchmaking.

Learn about Matchmaking