Length Length

5 modules, accessible at any time

Effort Effort

2-4 hours a week

Price Price

FREE

Languages Languages

English

Video Transcripts Video Transcripts

English

Prerequisites Prerequisites

None

Requirements Requirements

An internet connection to access course materials

DEVELOP A NEW SCALING MINDSET
for

SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOP A NEW SCALING MINDSET
UNDERSTAND WHY TRADITIONAL MODELS
often fall short for

THE PUBLIC GOOD

UNDERSTAND WHY TRADITIONAL MODELS
EXPLORE FOUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
for

SCALING IMPACT

EXPLORE FOUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
GAIN SKILLS
to critically assess and navigate decisions about scale

IN COMPLEX SETTINGS

GAIN SKILLS

Overview

This course is self-paced – you can enroll and complete the course materials at any time.

Every year, billions of dollars are invested in promising solutions to global challenges, yet many miss the opportunity to deliver impact at optimal scale. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we need to think beyond isolated projects and focus on scaling the impact of research and innovation.

This course introduces a practical approach to scaling for the public good. Unlike models that just focus on growth and replication, it offers guiding principles and tools to help innovators navigate scaling impact in uncertain and dynamic real-world contexts.

Scaling impact places people, communities, and the planet at the center of the scaling process. It is grounded in the experience of innovators across the Global South and complements—rather than replaces—other scaling frameworks and approaches.

Taught by a global faculty of researchers and practitioners, the course combines short videos on theory and real-world case studies, with interactive activities you can complete at your own pace.

structure

  • Pre-recorded lectures
  • Readings
  • Activities
  • Quizzes 

This course is for

Researchers, practitioners, funders, policymakers, and students working toward sustainable and equitable development

Questions?

Course logistics and requirements

This course is self-paced – you can enroll immediately and complete the course materials at any time. We encourage students to engage with one another via the discussion forum. Any specific questions can be sent to the SDG Academy team at courses@sdgacademy.org.

Certificates

Learners who successfully complete the course can pursue certification in two ways:

  • Firstly, learners have the option to upgrade, for a fee, to receive an edX Verified Certificate. Upon completing the final exam with a passing grade, the certificate will be made available on the edX platform.
  • Secondly, learners can earn a Certification of Completion awarded by IDRC upon completion. If you would like to receive this certificate, be sure to complete the post-course survey and follow the instructions carefully. Please note that these certificates will be generated manually by the course team and sent to the email address you provide, therefore, you will not receive your certificate right away. Your patience is appreciated.

syllabus

Introduction

1

Welcome to the course

2

A new mindset: scaling impact

3

Four guiding principles for scaling impact

4

Case studies

Agriculture

Care economy

Education

Impact investing

Water and climate

Forced migration

5

Conclusion

Bonus

Interviews with experts in the field