At USAID, innovation has been a core part of our work for decades. Whether through sourcing new ideas or improving existing solutions, engaging new and different partners, or enhancing financing and work structures, USAID is committed to the appropriate use of innovation to overcome health challenges.

USAID’s Center for Innovation and Impact’s (CII’s) Innovation Realized: Expanding the Path to Health Impact is a guide intended to amplify global health impact. This guide builds on successes and lays out practical ways that USAID staff can identify opportunities to apply innovation to solve real problems in the context of how we work, as well as to further innovation across the Agency. Though this guide is primarily intended for USAID staff, it can serve as an adaptable resource for other organizations.

Innovation Realized:

• Defines innovation and dispels common myths
• Presents a case for innovation in global health at USAID
• Provides common innovation opportunities
• Shares examples and resources to start the innovation process

This resource has been co-developed with input from colleagues in the field and across health offices, capturing best practices and examples of innovation in global health. We view this guide as a working draft that we hope you put to the test, provide us your feedback, and let us know how CII can be helpful to you.