A Social Impact Assessment system for innovation pilot projects in LMICs

Assessing social impact remains challenging for small-scale, early-stage projects in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where existing Social Impact Assessment (SIA) frameworks are often too complex for organizations with limited capacity. This study develops a flexible SIA Application System tailored to innovation-oriented pilot projects operating under high uncertainty in LMICs. Refined through a qualitative case study of the Global Innovation Fund—using semi-structured interviews and document analysis across agriculture, water, and electricity sectors—the system integrates three components: (1) a refined framework of core assessment dimensions; (2) a structured process for local scoping and indicator selection; and (3) adaptive functions aligning assessment with project maturity, from pre-pilot to post-pilot phases. By repositioning SIA as a staged, learning-oriented process, the system balances feasibility and accountability, offering a practical tool for adaptive decision-making in high-uncertainty LMIC pilot contexts.