GESI-Responsive Scaling Framework: Pathways, Partnerships, and Operational Guide for Innovation Uptake

McGuire, E.; Mutiso, A.; Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah; Nortje, Karen

GESI-Responsive Scaling Framework: Pathways, Partnerships, and Operational Guide for Innovation Uptake

Autores

McGuire, E.

Mutiso, A.

Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah

Nortje, Karen

Editor

International Water Management Institute

Descripción

The "GESI-Responsive Scaling Framework: Pathways, Partnerships, and Operational Guide for Innovation Uptake" presents a comprehensive strategy for integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), Responsible Innovation (RI), and Responsible Scaling (RS) within CGIAR's Scaling for Impact (S4I) program (2025–2030). The framework builds on broad consultation, blending evidence from workshops, surveys, interviews, and focus groups, to ensure innovations in food, land, and water systems are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. Central to this framework is the recognition that scaling innovations is not simply a technical process, but a deeply social one. The framework identifies six key domains—problem framing, social differentiation, partnership, evidence, innovation packaging, and risk management—essential for embedding GESI and RI throughout the innovation lifecycle. Operational guidance details actionable requirements for S4I’s Areas of Work 2 (Pathways to Scale) and 3 (Enabling Environment Lab), emphasizing mandatory GESI-responsive checkpoints and data-driven learning loops. The framework advocates for harmonizing tools, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and fostering partnerships that centre marginalized voices. All solution tracks are required to incorporate GESI analysis, participatory design, regular monitoring, and adaptive management to ensure that scaling delivers meaningful impact across diverse user groups. By institutionalizing these practices, CGIAR aims to ensure that innovations reach scale responsibly, enhancing agency, reducing inequality, and building resilience in agrifood systems. Ultimately, the framework offers a practical roadmap to embed inclusive, context-responsive scaling across CGIAR, calling for strong leadership, institutional alignment, and ongoing adaptive learning to realize systemic and lasting change.