Methodology

Hypothesis

Grantees of infoDev’s Incubator Program are working at the intersection between innovation and entrepreneurship in their local business environments and as such are drivers of economic and social impact.

Measurement

The team gathered primary and secondary data from a range of sources to investigate five key areas:

• infoDev’s activities and investments
• Local business environment in which the grantees operate
• Stakeholders of grantee organizations
• Grantee organizations
• Grantees’ clients

The researchers developed a logic model that sought to describe the relationships between inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes and impact for each of these areas where relevant. The design intended to generate a more in-depth understanding of

• The role of infoDev, grantees and the environments in which they operate, including their network of stakeholders
• Grantees’ work and their challenges and successes
• Grantees’ clients and their ability to achieve economic and social outcomes and impact

Click here to view the guiding questions and high-level findings.

Instrument Survey

All grantees had the opportunity to complete a survey, which was administered on-line, or grantees had the option of completing a paper-based version. Click here to view a copy of the survey. [link to survey.doc]

On-Site Visits

A team of facilitators visited 51 grantees. Facilitators attended a two and a half day training session prior to their site visits so that the information collected was as thorough and consistent as possible.

In 41 cases, visits lasted one to two days. Facilitators spent three to four days with 10 grantees that were the subject of case studies. During each visit, facilitators met with the leadership and staff of grantee organizations and in many cases met with founders, board members, clients and other stakeholders.

Click here to view the interview guide facilitators used to structure their interviews. [link to Interview Guide.doc]

Sample

• Total grantees N = 66
• Responding grantees n = 49

While the grantees’ diversity is a strength of the Program, it presented a challenge for the study. The grantees have widely varying organizational structures, mandates, regions and length of time in operation. Some in this study had only recently received their first grant, while others had the benefit of their grant for two or more years. Given this variety, the assessment recorded observations rather than drawing definitive conclusions. This approach in no way diminishes the insights gained, particularly the depth of the qualitative reports and the case studies.

Next: Summary of Observations