From Ideas to Impact: Achieving Policy Change Through Development Entrepreneurship
How can I effectively create change at the local, national, or regional level without a technical background in policymaking? This is the question I always ask myself. Despite my contributions to policy efforts, including participation in international forums, I felt I needed to figure out how to leverage my skills for lasting impact.
In 2022, I am one of the representatives of the Philippines at the EU-ASEAN Young Leaders Forum, collaborating with students and professionals from both regions to recommend policies on democratic governance and sustainable development. The following year, I joined the ASEAN Youth Economic Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia, drawing from my experience as Operations Head of BookSpine PH, a Philippine-based startup promoting a circular economy through pre-loved books. There, I helped draft policy recommendations to advance circular economy practices in the ASEAN region. However, these experiences left me seeking a structured approach to drive sustainable policy reform in my local context.
Discovering the Development Entrepreneurship (DE) Approach
I realized that I already had the tools to create change; what I needed was a strategy to use them effectively. This is where the introduction to Development Entrepreneurship (DE) comes in. The Asia Foundation and Coalitions for Change developed DE to help leaders introduce reforms using entrepreneurial principles. This framework equips non-technical individuals like me with a clear pathway to becoming impactful changemakers.
Answering Key Questions in Policy Reform
DE addresses three critical questions that guide policy reform:
- Which policy reform will improve outcomes for society?
- How do we identify and implement this reform?
- Who will lead and drive the change?
These questions form a roadmap for identifying, planning, and implementing reforms that generate meaningful social impact.
Selecting Policy Reforms for Social Impact
To determine which reforms could drive better outcomes, we evaluate three factors: impact, sustainability, and political feasibility. This involves assessing how the reform will shift incentives and behaviors, whether it will endure beyond initial support, and which political actors might champion or oppose it. Collaboration with stakeholders, even those with differing values, often proves essential for enacting lasting change.
Applying Entrepreneurial Principles to Policy Reform
DE emphasizes five principles for pursuing and sustaining reforms:
- Just Start — Act even when not all variables are clear.
- Make Small Bets — Take manageable steps, minimizing risks, and adjusting as needed.
- Harness the Power of Networks and Coalitions — Begin with the resources you have and leverage existing networks.
- Expect and Exploit Surprises — Be flexible and take advantage of unexpected opportunities. This proved to be helpful, especially during the COVID-19 crisis when we saw how socio-environmental issues were magnified during this time. One good example is the VAWC in the Emergency 911 system.
- Influence the Future — Actively shape outcomes instead of only reacting to them.
These principles help reformers navigate complex political environments and maintain momentum toward their objectives.
Identifying Effective Reform Leaders
Successful reforms hinge on the capabilities of their leaders. Development entrepreneurs (or reformers) must possess grit, autonomy, confidence, and humility. These qualities help them overcome obstacles and rally coalitions to advance their reform goals.
Utilizing the Theory of Change Framework
The Theory of Change (TOC) serves as a practical tool within DE for guiding reform efforts. It involves:
- Assessing the Current Situation — Define the development problem, rooted in real-world conditions.
- Conducting Technical and Political Analysis — Uncover the root causes by examining technical and political factors.
- Planning Technical and Political Actions — Outline evidence-based interventions and build strategic alliances.
The TOC also establishes measurable indicators for behavior change and improved outcomes, ensuring reforms align with impact, sustainability, and feasibility criteria.
Criteria for Selecting Effective Reforms
Selecting reforms that deliver real change requires assessing initiatives against three core criteria:
1. Impact
- How will the reform improve lives?
- How will it benefit vulnerable groups like women, children, the elderly, youth, and people with disabilities?
- How will it shift incentives and behaviors to drive positive change?
2. Sustainability
- Will the reform outlast initial funding or government support?
- Will it enhance market efficiency or improve government processes?
- Are local leaders equipped to continue the advocacy once the project concludes?
3. Political Feasibility
- Are there champions willing to invest their political capital?
- Who might oppose the reform, and how can we engage them?
- Can we build coalitions with organizations and stakeholders to gain broader support?
Implementing Technical and Political Actions
Once we select a reform, DE outlines specific actions to drive its success. Technical actions include gathering evidence, crafting policy briefs, and developing communication materials to highlight the reform’s benefits. Political actions involve forming alliances, advocating for reform, and engaging with decision-makers to secure support.
Finally, the TOC framework sets clear, measurable goals for the desired outcomes. For each reform, we identify the indicators of success, ensuring our objectives align with broader social and development goals.
Development Entrepreneurship empowers non-technical leaders to champion policy reform by applying entrepreneurial principles and strategic frameworks. This approach equips emerging changemakers with the skills and tools needed to drive sustainable development, even in complex political contexts.
By combining personal commitment with a structured strategy, we can create positive changes that advance societal well-being at local, national, and regional levels.
