Why we’re different
We work collectively towards long-term goals
Instead of building incrementally from today, we convene a group of experts, innovators and funders to imagine a radically better future and then we work collaboratively in order to realise that vision (the ‘Co’ in CoLab).
We’re not afraid to fail and evolve
We believe in evidence through rigorous experimentation and using innovative approaches (including but not limited to technologies) that help make solutions cheaper and more widely available (the ‘Lab’ in CoLab).
We have a bias for the applied end of evidence
We believe the distance between evidence of what works and the application of that evidence needs to be shortened. We’re connecting the creators and keepers of knowledge with the users of knowledge and working respectfully with those at the coalface.
We speed things up by cutting through red tape and working on issues concurrently instead of sequentially
We’re moving away from traditional, linear work planning (analyse-to-predict) that is ill-equipped for uncertain environments, and instead using an agile approach with action-learning cycles. This approach allowed us to accelerate 3x the publication of the Target Product Profile for oxygen concentrators.
We care deeply about raising unheard voices to imagine new futures
We involve the people who will feel the impact of the work, continually experimenting with different ways of putting more power into their hands. Each CoLab engages local partners and communities at key stages of the journey, to ensure that those who will be most affected by these decisions are active decision makers and collaborators in the process.
What this means in practice
The Better Futures CoLab approach can be broken down into three broad stages
Understanding the people, the landscape and the networks
It’s important in the early stages to have a visual articulation of the landscape we’re working in. This doesn’t just function as a baseline for the project, it also creates a true understanding of the most important levers we have at our disposal and the people and relationships that will help develop and realise those opportunities.
Imagining a radically better future
Core to a CoLab is building a shared point of view on what a ‘better future’ might look like. Each project works backwards from a shared vision that is co-created by a range of stakeholders, so that we leverage each of their vantage points and tap into their complementary expertise and networks.
Realising the future vision through collaboration & experimentation
We convene the right combination of partners needed to begin making the vision a reality. We pull together a mix of groups that bring influence, expertise, funding and other essential contributions and create an environment in which they can interact, learn from one another and accelerate change. New approaches and ideas are then put through focused experimentation cycles, before evidence of what works is shared with the world along with change advocacy designed to unlock future progress.