The Systems Change Initiative (SCI) is one of four cross-cutting pillars in the Sida-ILO Partnership (2022–25). The SCI builds on and applies a market systems development (MSD) approach to create decent work and productive employment opportunities for the working poor. The SCI follows in the footsteps of the Lab initiative, funded by SECO, which closed in 2020, and which aimed to generate and apply knowledge on how MSD can lead to sustainable decent work. 

The Lab’s Areas of Work

Whether you are new to the market systems approach or just new to how the approach can be applied to decent work, the Lab has generated an extensive portfolio of practitioner-focused content, which can help you navigate common on-the-ground challenges. Have a look at our different products:

• Sector Selection Reports: Which value chain/sector has the highest potential? A tool to select sectors and value chains with growth potential, relevance and scope for action.
• Rapid Market Assessments: Why they are not functioning properly? A ‘first look’ into a set of market systems and value chains.
• Market Systems Analyses: What are the root causes of underperformance? In-depth analysis of market systems’ underlying constraints and opportunities.
• Implementation: How to transform market systems? Examples of sustainable solutions leading to systemic change in market systems.
• Monitoring and Results Measurement: How to measure employment and systemic change? Tools, briefs and case studies on monitoring and results measurement.
• Briefs: What have we learned? Briefs comparing our findings in different sectors, countries and topics.