Stories
At GKI, we believe in the power of words to influence and inspire action. We actively pursue humility, curiosity, and reflection in our work as we share our insights, experiences, and resources with the broader community of decision-makers, change-makers, and practitioners.
Systems Change and Leading in the Land of Complexity
In this three-part series GKI’s Chase Keenan shares some of the thinking that emerged from a piece of research done by Chase, Sara Farley, Renee Vuillaume, and Glen Burnett. The aim of this research was to further GKI’s understanding of how systems change, and the role that leadership can play in catalyzing that change. You can read the final output of the project here. …
Evaluation 2017 Conference Reflections: The Importance of Systems Thinking
The American Evaluation Association’s (AEA) Evaluation 2017 Conference brought together evaluators from around world for a week of exciting dialogue and hands-on learning experiences. The presiding AEA President, Kathryn Newcomer, presented this year’s conference theme, “From Learning to Action,” which explored the many ways “our community can learn from evaluation to create better practices and…
Global Knowledge Initiative Publishes New Report on the Role of Innovation in Transforming Food Systems in Emerging Markets
Washington D.C., USA: The Global Knowledge Initiative (GKI), with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, has published a report examining how innovation can help improve food systems in emerging markets over the next 20 years. Recognizing the profound, large-scale changes happening around the world and the staggering amount of food that is lost on its way…
GKI Unveils New Resource to Support Innovation in Global Development
For immediate release: September 15th, 2017 Improving the Ability to Make Decisions that Advance Organizational Innovation Washington D.C., USA: New research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Comprehensive Initiative on Technology Evaluation (CITE) reveals that the approach used by many organizations to assess and adopt innovation is subpar. Lacking are better processes to understand…
Fighting Food Loss begins with Coordination and Collaboration
This post was originally featured on Securenutrition.org written by Chase Keenan and Renee Vuillaume for the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, GKI’s partner in the Postharvest Loss Alliance for Nutrition Network (PLAN) Recent studies in Nigeria estimate that if we could reduce food loss and waste of a single crop—tomatoes—by 25% we could improve the…
A Science-led Horizon Seen at the March for Science
Despite the day-long drizzle that doused marchers, participants in the Washington, DC March for Science returned to the lobby of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in high spirits. As scientists and non-scientists alike mingled amidst earth-inspired artwork, a latent energy permeated the crowd. The pre-march rally, with notable speakers such as…
When Simple is Difficult: Agriculture Technology in the Age of Innovation
This post was originally featured on the Chicago Council of Global Affairs’ Blog, Global Food For Thought As a US Peace Corps Volunteer in a rural Ugandan village in 2010, I never expected my neighbors to own satellite TVs. We couldn’t buy carrots at a market within a 30-kilometer radius. I planted beans with my…
An AUSpicious Journey: GKI’s New Partnership in Australia
Current evidence points to the fact that the world is more educated, healthy, and safe than ever before. In the Asia Pacific region specifically, the last several decades have seen major economic growth in the age of globalization and information technology. However, despite greater access to information and greater capacity to address complex challenges, large…
Identifying the Next $100 Million Idea for Social Impact
Imagine that moment when you’re planning a financial investment. Investing in a high-potential offering, when it is still in early days, allows you to maximize the return on your investment. Now consider the pervasive challenges faced by the poor and vulnerable communities in the world. How might investors in solutions to those challenges identify investments…
GKI Facilitates a Global Network Innovating for Food Security
“Feed 9 billion people by 2050.” That was the invitation extended — our opportunity and our challenge — at the Thought for Food Global Summit. And who better to attempt to crack this behemoth problem than 300 creative and committed young entrepreneurs representing 100 countries? Putting method and an exciting structure to this challenge, the…