Study conducted by Sense-Lab emerged from the desire to bring together, organize and deepen lessons learned throughout the organization’s trajectory
The study “Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives for Developing Impact Ecosystems,” produced by Sense-Lab, has been released. It systematizes lessons learned over a decade of work alongside networks, coalitions and organizations seeking collective responses to complex challenges, with a focus on impact economies and ecological transition. Supported by Fundo Vale, the Boticário Foundation, the Institute for Business Citizenship, the Arapyaú Institute and the Sabin Institute, the publication provides an in-depth analysis of how these initiatives are structured, how they operate in practice and how they contribute to generating lasting systemic impact.
Based on an initial mapping of around 150 cases, the study takes a deeper look at 17 initiatives that clearly demonstrate ecosystem development characteristics, drawing on interviews, documentation and a review of Brazilian and international literature. From there, it offers frameworks, tools, typologies and case studies to support the design and strengthening of multi-stakeholder initiatives in highly complex contexts.
“This publication is especially relevant because it offers a kind of compass for those who need to move beyond the logic of isolated projects and begin seeing the ecosystem as the unit of work. It was a fundamental step for impact strategies aiming for scale and long-term results,” says Márcia Soares, Amazon and partnerships manager at Fundo Vale, one of the organizations that supported the study.
The study highlights two main objectives: expanding understanding of how networks, coalitions and multi-stakeholder initiatives operate in practice, especially in the field of impact economy and ecological transition; and providing support for organizations that already work, or wish to work, in ecosystem development.
Robust methodology: from mapping to an in-depth look at benchmark cases
To reach the conclusions presented, the team mapped 82 active multi-stakeholder initiatives in Brazil with a focus on the impact economy and the ecological transition agenda. Of these, 24 were analyzed in depth, and 17 stood out as the main focus as they more clearly demonstrated elements associated with ecosystem development.
The publication is anchored in eight initiatives analyzed in detail, complemented by nine others and by a literature review on collaboration, networks and systemic approaches. The result is a consistent overview of how these initiatives are structured in terms of governance, funding, engagement, outcomes and impacts.
“The methodological rigor of this research provides confidence for those who need to make strategic decisions in complex environments, showing not only what works, but under what conditions, with what limitations and at what cost,” explains Soares.
Layered impact and infrastructure for transformation
One of the study’s central points is the understanding that multi-stakeholder ecosystem development initiatives create value in layers. Their impact is not limited to final outcomes but is also expressed in the creation of more favorable conditions for collective action, the reorganization of relationships among stakeholders, the strengthening of capabilities, and influence over rules, resource flows and system practices. The publication shows that these initiatives operate as coordination platforms capable of aligning multiple stakeholders and enabling broader transformations.
“For the past 10 years, Sense-Lab has supported impact organizations, networks and coalitions, and over the last year we dedicated ourselves to studying how multi-stakeholder initiatives are transforming the way solutions are created for complex social and environmental problems, shifting from isolated approaches to ecosystem development. Through our podcast and study, which will be released soon, we were able to share some of these stories and lessons learned to strengthen the field and amplify impact,” says Sense-Lab partner Valentina Mansur.
Practical relevance: when and why to adopt the ecosystem approach
The study also examines the advantages, challenges and limitations of the ecosystem development approach, indicating the contexts in which it tends to be most appropriate. Among the advantages are the ability to tackle problems that no single stakeholder can solve alone, deal with high complexity and generate more legitimate, lasting and resilient solutions. Among the challenges, the need for time, coordination, trust, legitimacy and flexible long-term funding stands out.
Access the full study.