Impact Europe Report | Collaboration in action - How to collectively work towards systems change

20 Mar 2026

Over the past months, Impact Europe has been developing a study titled “Collaboration in action - How to collectively work towards systems change”.

The research aims to understand how different types of actors and capital can align to drive impact that goes beyond projects, toward long-term, systems change solutions. It captures the perspectives of practitioners who are already experimenting it with innovative ways to deploy capital together, across philanthropy, public institutions and private sector.  

Based on interviews with practitioners and community insights, the research highlights what collaboration really requires: trust, alignment, flexible financing, shared tools, and the ability to navigate different risk appetites and incentives. It also explores how catalytic capital can unlock new models by absorbing risk, enabling experimentation, and mobilising additional investment towards long-term outcomes. Finally, it also investigates the role of the public sector, the challenges and the opportunities of engaging with it.

The report will be followed by a series of case studies, showcasing practical examples coming from Impact Europe community.  

Read the report here.