Systems change refers to transformations that alter the underlying structures and dynamics of a complex system, be it an industry, a community, or a global challenge like climate change. Unlike incremental improvements or isolated projects, true systems change is holistic and far-reaching – it tackles root causes, interdependencies, and patterns within the system. Achieving such change is notoriously difficult because these systems are complex adaptive networks with many stakeholders and moving parts. It has become clear that no single organization or solution can shift an entrenched system on its own. Instead, systems change is, by definition, a collective effort, requiring many stakeholders to work in concert. In practice, this means change emerges when a critical mass of actors in the system recognize the need for change and act together – influencing each other, sharing knowledge, shifting norms, and aligning their actions towards a new goal.

Coordination and collaboration across sectors are essential for such systemic shifts. For example, to improve outcomes in a community (such as public health or youth development), cross-sector partnerships must align on shared goals and data.

True systems transformation requires collaboration from all parts of the community – health, education, housing, public safety and more – working together around shared goals, because no single sector can solve systemic issues alone. This kind of broad partnership is essentially an infrastructure of relationships and agreements that holds the effort together.

However, establishing such collaboration isn’t easy. Systems change often remains an abstract concept, especially for traditional investors or institutions used to isolated projects. It requires new mental models and patience – change can be slow and non-linear. Here is where infrastructure – both tangible and intangible – plays a pivotal enabling role. Just as physical infrastructure connects nodes in a network, social infrastructure (like networks of organizations, communication channels, and shared platforms) connects change-makers, allowing information, resources and trust to flow more effectively. The presence of an infrastructure for coordination dramatically improves the likelihood that individual efforts coalesce into a movement capable of tipping the system.

In summary, systems change efforts need a strong underlying support system: a foundation on which emergent, unpredictable positive outcomes can build. That foundation is what we broadly term infrastructure.