MatchMaker Solutions Packs

The MatchMaker Solutions Packs are resources meant to help organizations facing a particular challenge consider different options to test and adopt. They can be tailored to individual “Challenge Holders” or developed as more generic resources for types of organizations or networks. In both cases, their purpose is to kickstart the challenge-solving process by offering several types of solutions to review and assess according to the specific needs, resources and context of the adopter. 

MatchMaker Solutions Packs can be used at any time but will be more useful to organizations that have already invested in a process that defines their needs for new solutions, such as a self- or independent evaluation, capacity assessment or Challenge Mapping workshop.  It is also helpful for users to have an idea of what resources and timeframe are available to invest in a new solution.

Users are free to use the resource as they wish, but we recommend that they first use it more as way to select a category of solutions to explore rather than a specific product or service mentioned. In cases where the Solutions Pack is designed for multiple organizations or contexts, the specific solutions mentioned will not be a comprehensive list of what may be available in a particular context.  We would suggest that the organization use the Pack to identify what features of a solution are most desirable and conduct their own research (or seek assistance from qualified partners) to identify the best actual solutions to assess.

This will of course depend on the specific needs, resources, constraints and contexts of the organization or network looking to solve a challenge.  However, we suggest that the user consider the following dimensions:

·        Impact: Will the solution solve all or part of the problem. Are the expected results worth the investment to be made (financial but also in terms of time and effort)?

·        Feasibility: Can you expect the solution to function as expected in this particular context and whatever limitations and challenges it may feature?

·        Scalability: Can this solution be deployed throughout the organization/network and its programs given current resources and capacities?

·        Sustainability: Can the solution continue to be used and generate impact over time? Will it be integrated into programs and systems in a lasting manner?

The Solution Packs include basic information on the pros and cons of each solution that will help this assessment. The tool below can also be adapted and used to facilitate the assessment process.

‍This will depend on your capacity, resources, whether or not you have the opportunity to conduct a pilot in the coming months and if you have access to specialized innovation expertise (in-house staff, consultant(s), partner organizations, pro bono support, etc…).  Generally, however, you will want to first dedicate time to identify the providers of the solutions that are available in your context and obtain more information about their costs, requirements, and evidence of impact. This can be done via informal means (contacting providers and requesting information packs and demos, reaching out to exiting clients/users, conducting online research) or more formal processes (Innovation Challenge Call, Request for Information/Proposals).  The additional information should allow you to select the partner or provider with the most promising solution to pilot.

Once that selection is made, the partners should work together to develop plans for a pilot which may include a period of co-creation, adaptation and prototyping before the innovation is ready to be tested. Access to innovation process expertise is highly recommended to facilitate this process. Innovation consultants, hubs and training centers are available in most contexts. If you are located in a location where the Response Innovation Lab has a partner, please reach out to that platform (you can find locations and contact information at: www.responseinnovationlab.com).)