Cards for Innovation Systems Strengthening: Six tried and tested strategies for smarter adaptive investment in system-wide change

Over six years, the programme invested £30 million in African innovation systems to deliver inclusive economic growth and scalable technological solutions addressing locally defined challenges. In the programme’s final year, the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) facilitated a structured learning process bringing together ATIP delivery partners, grantees and others working across African innovation systems.¹ This included universities, research councils, industry associations, government ministries, local authorities, development partners, and civil society organisations.</p><p dir="ltr">ATIP closed at a critical juncture for international development with shifting geopolitical dynamics underscoring the importance of South–South learning and stronger collaboration across African countries.

The programme provides a working example of how to connect people from across systems to identify practical lessons and create lasting collaborative partnerships. Its approaches – as highlighted in these cards – align with emergent, UK-based thinking on development which proposes privileging investment over aid, system support and expertise over service delivery, local provision over outside intervention, and offering insights for science and technology diplomacy.</p><p dir="ltr">1.