Scaling innovations: strategies that work

The Zero Project’s mission is to work towards a world with zero barriers by supporting the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Worldwide, the Zero Project funds and shares solutions that improve the daily lives and legal rights of persons with disabilities. 

This report highlights 24 pioneering disability-inclusive innovations from diverse sectors including education, employment, accessibility, and assistive technologies. These solutions are not only proven to work but have also successfully replicated their models in at least one additional country. By featuring their scaling strategies, impact stories, and partnership opportunities, this report serves as a crucial resource for governments, businesses, non-profits, and international organisations looking to collaborate on expanding these solutions to new regions.

The research team looked at start-ups, non-government organisations (NGOs) and small companies that had developed outstanding innovative solutions. Eight ‘Scaling Strategies’ that work in international scaling were identified. 

1. Establishing one’s own organisation in the target country: establishing a physical presence to directly manage/control operations and services. Used for complex service provision.
2. Engaged licensing partnership for quality ICT-based services: partnering with local entities to provide high-quality ICT services through licensing agreements.
3. Sales and distribution contracts for ready-made products: forming contracts for the sale and distribution of pre-manufactured products.
4. ICT-based services for business and private users: developing solutions that appeal to both business and individual users, enhancing utility and market reach, and using business to cross-finance.
5. Low-cost licensing of trainings and services to social service providers: an NGO having developed an innovative service, now offering affordable licensing options for training and teaching to peers in other countries.
6. Using the resources of universities and the education system: collaborating with educational institutions to leverage their resources and expertise.
7. Using the resources of arts institutions and museums: engaging with arts institutions to provide solutions that support artistic and cultural initiatives.
8. Prestigious partnerships built on grant and government funding: forming high-profile partnerships that utilise government funding and/or grants from philanthropists or businesses to enhance project viability and impact.