In doing so, the WF moves beyond traditional metrics to focus on human dignity. They recognize that healthcare is not just about procedures and pharmaceuticals but about trust, communication, and the values that patients and communities hold dear. This diagram is a powerful example of how systems thinking can reveal the invisible threads that connect individual experiences to broader societal dynamics. It’s a tool not just for analysis but for action—helping stakeholders see where they can intervene to create meaningful change. In the context of impact investing, this approach shows how listening deeply and engaging with complexity can lead to solutions that are not only innovative but also profoundly human. Systems Change The term “systems change” is frequently used in social innovation and impact investing circles, and SIIF has embraced it by charging SIIFIC with exploring systems change. Through SIIF, they’ve been sharing articles discussing the topic and relevant case studies. But what does systems change really mean? Beneath the trendiness of the phrase lies a profound ambition: to transform structures, policies, and behaviors in ways that deeply improve people’s lives. It’s not about superficial fixes or one-off interventions—it’s about shifting the institutions and dynamics of society so that lasting, meaningful progress can take root. However, as powerful as the concept is, “systems change” can also become a buzzword— compelling to insiders but opaque to those outside the impact investing ecosystem, particularly players in the market. When talking to VC investors, fund managers, or even government stakeholders, the language of “systems change” might feel overly abstract or inaccessible. For actors in the impact economy, this creates a challenge: How do you communicate the depth and scope of the work in terms that resonate with different audiences? If the goal is to foster collaboration with diverse stakeholders—especially those from sectors like VC, where financial returns often take center stage—it’s essential to tailor the language to their priorities and understanding. Terms like “transformative outcomes,” “creating pathways to scale solutions,” or “investing in community resilience” may be more effective, as they connect the dots between the systems change vision and tangible, relatable outcomes. “With the establishment of the “SIIFIC Wellness Fund”, we are now at the starting line of bringing about “system change” through investments. SIIFIC aims to leverage this fund to drive systemic change through investments in start-ups.” —Nanako Kudo, Executive Director of SIIF 43
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Ten Years in the Making
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