From best practice to best fit

The methods of complex systems research are increasingly being used and valued by international development organisations. These approaches enable a shift away from existing tools and business processes that reinforce a focus on static, simple and linear problems. The evidence is that these methods can help development partners better navigate the complex, dynamic realities they face on a day-today basis. This Working Paper summarises the findings of a series of small-scale pilots of selected complex systems methods in DFID's wealth creation work. The pilots contributed to improved analysis and understanding of a range of wicked problems, and generated tangible findings that were directly utilised in corporate and programmatic decisions. They played a significant role in the design of two large programmes, and provided the evidence base for a root and branch review of DFID processes. The Working Paper concludes that there are considerable opportunities for doing more programming using these methods, with real potential for enhancing development decision-making in the face of wicked problems. A subsequent draft was shared on the 'From Poverty to Power' blog by Duncan Green, and received almost 50 comments – see the full list here. These were then incorporated in the final version of the paper. The perspective and opinions expressed here are the authors' and do not represent the official views of the peer reviewers, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) or any of the agencies involved in the pilot projects. Acknowledgements ii Abbreviations iii Executive summary iv Introduction iv What we did iv What we found iv What next iv 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Why do we need to think about complex and wicked problems in development? 1 1.2 From rigour in evaluation to rigour in design and implementation 3 1.3 The DFID Policy Research Fund Complex Systems Tools project 4