New evidence on how to build capacity for Social R&D

This new report summarizes the results of a Mitacs sponsored study by the Social R&D Fellowship and McGill University to generate new evidence towards growing capacity for research and development (R&D) within social purpose organizations.

The study included four streams:

  • a scan of the literature and existing capacity building supports,
  • a needs survey,
  • structured interviews with existing R&D capacity builders, and
  • field observations.

The results are compelling: from uncovering a wave of “Social R&D” policy and funding measures by the US gov in the 60s that lead to some significant advancements in educational outcomes, to exposing the limits of R&D work without complementary change management capabilities, to clarifying what funding models are needed to grow Social R&D in Canada at scale.

The hope is that this new evidence will empower capacity builders across the country to better support their partners’ efforts to uncover and develop breakthrough solutions.

Access The Missing Link: Social R&D Capacity Building Study report here (PDF)