03. Systemic innovation

Systemic innovation involves rethinking and redesigning entire systems rather than focusing solely on individual components. It integrates various frameworks and mindsets, including design thinking, problem-solving strategies, and customer-centric approaches. By addressing the root causes of issues and understanding the intricate relationships within systems, systemic innovation enables the development of solutions that are not only innovative but also sustainable and adaptable across different contexts.

1. Customer Centricity and Experience: At Mesh Impact, systemic innovation is driven by an obsession with customer experience and a deep commitment to understanding global challenges. The goal is to find simple, effective solutions that can be applied at scale. By focusing on the needs and experiences of customers, we ensure that our innovations are relevant and impactful.
2. Scalability and Glocality: One of the unique aspects of systemic innovation at Mesh Impact is its emphasis on scalability combined with glocality—a term that encapsulates the balance between global reach and local relevance. We start by experimenting on a small scale, creating successful prototypes that can be scaled up. However, we also recognize that for these solutions to be effective globally, they must be adapted to fit local contexts. This requires a deep understanding of local markets, cultures, and needs, ensuring that innovations are not only scalable but also locally viable.
3. Expertise and Disruption: Systemic innovation thrives on the intersection of expertise and disruption. Experts bring market knowledge and an understanding of complex systems, while innovative thinking introduces the potential to disrupt and transform these systems. At Mesh Impact, thematic groups are spaces where this synergy occurs, fostering research and development aimed at creating significant economic and social impact.

For global organizations, systemic innovation is not just a buzzword—it is a critical approach to staying relevant and competitive in an increasingly complex world. Traditional innovation methods often focus on incremental improvements or isolated solutions, which may not address the broader systemic challenges that these organizations face.

Systemic innovation allows organizations to:

• Address Root Causes: Instead of treating symptoms, systemic innovation dives into the root causes of issues, offering more durable and effective solutions.
• Enhance Agility and Resilience: By understanding the broader system, organizations can anticipate and adapt to changes more effectively, building resilience against disruptions.
• Foster Collaboration: Systemic innovation often requires collaboration across different sectors, disciplines, and regions, which can lead to more comprehensive and well-rounded solutions.

Sustainability is inherently systemic, as it involves the interplay between environmental, social, and economic factors. Systemic innovation is particularly meaningful in the context of sustainability because it:

• Encourages Holistic Thinking: Sustainable solutions must consider long-term impacts across various domains. Systemic innovation ensures that these solutions are designed with a comprehensive understanding of their potential effects on the environment, society, and economy.
• Supports Large-Scale Change: Many sustainability challenges, such as climate change and social inequality, require solutions that can be scaled globally. Systemic innovation’s focus on scalability and glocality ensures that these solutions are both effective and adaptable across different regions and contexts.
• Promotes Inclusive Growth: By integrating diverse perspectives and expertise, systemic innovation fosters inclusive growth, ensuring that solutions benefit all stakeholders and contribute to a more equitable world.

At Mesh Impact, systemic innovation is more than a methodology—it is the foundation of our mission to create lasting, meaningful impact. Our thematic groups use this approach to tackle global challenges, leveraging expertise, creativity, and a deep understanding of systems to develop solutions that are not only innovative but also scalable and sustainable.

For those interested in exploring this topic further, Mesh Impact offers a comprehensive whitebook on systemic innovation. This resource delves deeper into the methodologies, case studies, and practical applications of systemic innovation, providing valuable insights for anyone looking to drive change in their organization or community.

Download the Mesh Impact Whitebook on Systemic Innovation to learn more about how you can harness the power of this approach to address the complex challenges of today’s world.

If you’re ready to contribute your expertise, learn from others, and be part of an innovation platform, a consulting agency and a community that’s driving change, we invite you to join Mesh Impact. Together, we can achieve more and create a better future for all.