Replicating your solution within your network: a way of innovating and putting collective intelligence at work for social impact
In some networks, movements or federations, especially those with a large number of members and/or branches, it is not uncommon to see a replication dynamic being set in motion between the existing structures of these networks.
Why launch this type of initiative, how to set it up, what are the conditions for a successful outcome? These are all questions that arise when you replicate "from within".
- Unapei, an organisation committed to building a supportive and inclusive society that respects the differences and the free will of people with intellectual disabilities, autism, multiple disabilities and mental illness.
- The Mouvement Emmaüs (Emmaus Movement, a secular and solidarity-based movement that fights against exclusion).
- The Réseau HAPA (HAPA Network) whose ambition is to bring together all kinds of housing actors (project leaders, funders, beneficiaries, public authorities, etc.) to enable the development of shared and supported housing.
Why launch this type of initiative?
The primary objective behind replication within the network is to quickly and efficiently increase the social impact of the organisation. Indeed, once the social innovation has been proven in one initial territory, the organisation replicates the winning formula through its members in other regions and reaches new beneficiaries in new territories, thus increasing its impact. However, this approach also responds to other challenges for the organisations that decide to implement it.“Fostering networking”
Presentation of the Solidarity Generator at the UNAPEI Summer Universities (Sept 2022)
“10 professional and volunteer representatives from our various bodies (on a local, regional and national levels) are actively mobilised within a steering committee to set up the Solidarity Generator. This is an opportunity for us to highlight actions undertaken at a national scale and to create a snowball effect. It also gives a chance to develop a collaborative dynamic, to create links, to share and to develop exchange practices between the member organisations of the network.” Johanna Courtoy, Unapei“Encouraging innovation”
Replicating within the network is also a good way to encourage organisations on the field so they can grow and renew their practices without reinventing the wheel, especially for those with limited resources to develop new projects. For example, through the "clé en main" (turnkey) scheme offered by the Emmaus Movement's innovation department, local groups can benefit from an opus operandi, human methodological support and a grant to replicate a project under the aegis of another sponsoring group (e.g. setting up an air-gumming cabin, switching to online sales, setting up a local producers' market, etc.).
“This scheme is intended for organisations that seek to take inspiration from proven innovations developed by their peers. It enables them to share a common innovation culture and increase the social impact of their organisations. It is perfectly in line with Emmaus' DNA, as it promotes innovation on the ground. It gives the opportunity to replicate an innovation, while giving room for adaptation to the local context: Based on the teams, the existing partnerships and the needs of the territory, the innovations will take on a particular colour each time. It also allows for the pooling of resources and mutual support within the network.” Laure Vicard, Emmaüs Innove.
“Supporting the development of the network members”
It can furthermore help members of the network develop more quickly and thus increase their impact. The HAPA network was created by a group of project leaders who wanted to encourage mutual peer-to-peer support for the deployment of shared and supported habitats on a national scale. The HAPA network set up three support programmes for its members, one of which combines methodological support, feedback and financial support specifically dedicated to those who are in the process of territorial replication.
“The sector is in full development, the need for support has exploded; the complexity of setting up these projects remains high (i.e. projects of shared and supported housing) and implies a massive effort when it comes to transfer of experience so that project leaders can overcome the pitfalls and gather the key success factors(...). The pedagogy is based on the sharing of peer-to-peer experience and empowerment methods that develop the autonomy of project leaders after the course.
The increasing demands of the network members have also highlighted the need for support at different stages of development.” Chrystel Mouysset, Network Coordinator.
“Changing practices”
In some cases, promoting practices that are related to the strategic challenges for the future of the organisation can help support internal change. The Emmaus Innove team is using this process in conjunction with its foresight activities to shape the evolution of the whole movement so it can be as close as possible to tomorrow's social needs, by highlighting new welcoming practices as an example. As a matter of fact, the Solidarity Generator deliberately chose to focus its replication approach towards the support of family carers in order to align with Unapei's strategic orientations.
What are the characteristics of these initiatives and what advice would you give for their implementation?