Managing for Impact: The Role of Investors’ Networks in Enhancing Appropriate Impact Measurement and Management Practices

Abstract

In a moment where social issues around the world are becoming more and more severe, a call for real impact is very much needed. Current investment into societal solutions that work at scale is not sufficient to get us closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Additional capital is required, but it is also essential that it is deployed in ways in which impact is maximised. Focussing on additionality – not just intentionality – and on impact management – not just impact measurement – represents the right direction.

EVPA embarked in a journey towards redefining the impact investment space to clarify the role of different investors. EVPA identifies two main strategies: investing for impact and investing with impact. Investors for impact are those that support innovative ways to tackle societal problems and embrace impact management, using the data collected to refine activities to maximise social impact.

However, despite all the frameworks and guidelines produced in the field of impact measurement and management in the last 10 years, the perception among the community of investors for impact is that there is still a lot to do, highlighting a gap between theory and practice. Investors' networks such as EVPA play a crucial role in filling this gap, supporting members (but not only) in the adoption of appropriate IMM practices. In this respect, EVPA has developed several responses (e.g., five-step IMM process, a training partnership with Social Value International, in-depth case studies) and is fully committed to strengthen its efforts in the years to come.

Citation

Gianoncelli, A. and Gaggiotti, G. (2021), "Managing for Impact: The Role of Investors’ Networks in Enhancing Appropriate Impact Measurement and Management Practices", Richards, A. and Nicholls, J. (Ed.) Generation Impact, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 219-233. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78973-929-920200022