Table 8 Explanation of prevalent themes identified in the literature
From: Innovation in humanitarian assistance—a systematic literature review
No | Theme | Description | Frequency | Driver | Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Inclusion of affected populations | Inclusion of affected populations into the innovation process | 71 | Ensuring active participation and inclusion of affected populations in innovation agendas and processes | Top-down innovation driven by donors in the Global North |
2 | Collaboration | Collaboration among donors and practitioners, with the private sector, and with intermediaries | 65 | Collaboration and alignment between donors, innovators, humanitarian organisations, and private sector actors | Disregarding complementary sets of expertise, working in silos, not using synergy potential |
3 | Modes of Financing | The modes of financing humanitarian innovation | 43 | Increase the quality and quantity of funding going to innovation actors, and steer funding towards innovations explicitly catering to the needs of affected populations | Unilateral or bilateral financing, short time horizons |
4 | Leveraging novel technology | Leveraging technological development in humanitarian contexts | 39 | Utilising cutting-edge innovation when it is most suited for the respective contexts | Technophilia, over-reliance on gadgets |
5 | Evidence-based approaches | Basing funding decisions and agenda-setting on a robust evidence base | 29 | Facilitate evidence-based approaches and data-driven decision-making, for facilitating the operationalisation of appropriate innovations | Lack of Evidence and Data in decision-making |
6 | Innovation capacities | The role of innovation capacities and capabilities within donor and practitioner organisations | 20 | Providing a conducive environment for innovation inside donor organisations through fostering innovative cultures and strengthening innovation competencies | Lack of Institutional Support and a culture not embracing innovation |
7 | Humanitarian – Development nexus | Stronger linkage between humanitarian and development efforts | 15 | Link innovation with the humanitarian–development nexus | Silo-thinking between humanitarian and development practitioners |
8 | Ethics and principles | The potential conflict between commonplace innovation mantras (e.g. fail fast) and key humanitarian principles (do no harm) | 14 | Innovating without sacrificing humanitarian principles | Innovating while disregarding ethical principles |
9 | The market for humanitarian innovation | The market structure of the humanitarian sector, where donors, rather than affected populations, are the ones paying for innovations | 10 | Taking into account the affected populations’ needs when financing innovation | Donors financing innovations based on own preferences only |