A change in the way core functions, supporting functions and rules perform that ultimately improves the poor’s terms of participation within the market system. Also referred to as ‘systemic change’ or ‘system-level change’. The four core elements which together define market system change are:
Adopt: an element of the systemic change framework referring to the state of market system change when a market player(s) has successfully adopted a behaviour/practice change to the ultimate benefit of the poor producer/worker/ consumer, recognises the value of continuing with these changes irrespective of programme inputs, and has accordingly made plans to invest in upholding these changes and cover any associated recurrent costs.
Adapt: an element of the systemic change framework referring to the state of market system change when the market player(s) that adopted the behaviour/practice changes pioneered during the pilot has made qualitative and/or quantitative investments that allow them to continue with or augment changed practices, without programme support. These actions, independent of the programme, constitute an ‘acid test’ for whether pro-poor outcomes will be sustained.
Expand: an element of the systemic change framework referring to the state of market system change when a number of market players similar to those that pioneered the pro-poor behaviour/practice changes have adopted comparable changes
– either direct copies or variants on the original innovation – that are upheld without programme support.
Respond: an element of the systemic change framework referring to the state of market system change when the emergence and continued presence of the pro-poor changes lead market players in supporting systems to react by re- organising, assuming new/improved roles, developing their own offers, or repositioning to take advantage of opportunities that have been created. This response enables pro-poor behaviour/ practice changes to further evolve. It indicates a new capability within the system and suggests it can support pro-poor solutions to emerge and grow in future.