This post recommends an academic article by Dr. Yuval Ofek that presents a configurational model for network evaluation. The article links network complexity and system dynamics with appropriate evaluation approaches, explaining when to use actor- or program-oriented methods and how to structure coordination and governance in evaluation. By framing evaluation as “a network within a network,” the model offers insights for both network evaluators and researchers studying networ

Innovation and knowledge communities are increasingly used to tackle complex social, economic, and environmental challenges. From organizational innovation platforms to large international ecosystems, these communities bring together diverse actors to learn, collaborate, and co-create solutions. Yet assessing their value and impact remains methodologically challenging. In 2024, Key Impact conducted a global literature review, funded by the Hive - the Hub for Social Initiative

This post reflects on the evaluation of the Public Sector Network of Infrastructure Developers, a program designed to strengthen knowledge, coordination, and collaboration across public infrastructure actors. Using a theory-based, longitudinal, and network evaluation approach, the evaluation examined individual learning outcomes alongside the development of professional relationships over time.

This post recommends an academic paper by Dr. Yuval Ofek that addresses the challenges of evaluating community-level social exclusion interventions, particularly within university-community partnerships. Drawing on an action research case study in northern Israel, the paper explores how evaluation can balance learning and improvement with accountability demands in complex settings.

This post reflects on the evaluation of The Hive’s Accelerator, Israel’s flagship program for social entrepreneurship. Using a theory-based, developmental, and longitudinal evaluation design, the evaluation followed ventures over time to assess learning, sustainability, and scaling. Findings show strong contributions to entrepreneurs’ capacities and strategy, and demonstrate how adaptive, learning-oriented evaluation supported continuous program improvement.

This post recommends an academic article by Dr. Yuval Ofek that reframes how evaluation approaches should be chosen for complex interventions. Drawing on case studies and empirical research, the article shows how misaligned evaluation methods can undermine learning and accountability. It introduces a practical tool for matching evaluation approaches to levels of nonlinearity and complexity, offering clear guidance for evaluators, managers, and funders working in complex progr