Long-term adaptive approach to scaling digitalization

• In Event: Scaling and systems change in international education development: perspectives of funders and implementers (Part 2)

Proposal

From a systems perspective, the transformation of EMIS can be viewed as a complex adaptive system undergoing a significant shift to meet evolving educational data challenges. A digital platform ecosystem approach allows for flexible, context-sensitive scaling of the EMIS. This adaptive strategy enables the system to evolve in alignment with local resources, circumstances, and needs, enhancing its resilience and effectiveness in addressing complex educational data challenges. However, sustained investment is needed in the system's digital infrastructure, focusing on core services that act as foundational system components that can both enable coordination and foster innovation. This approach aims to cultivate a self-reinforcing feedback loop of data generation, consumption, and decision-making within the educational ecosystem.

The education data ecosystem is transitioning from a static, linear model of data production to a dynamic, interconnected network of analytics and early warning mechanisms. This systemic change is driven by the need for adaptive, context-sensitive data tools that can support both emerging global priorities and external shocks (e.g. climate, pandemic), meeting the imperative for a holistic digital infrastructure to enhance system-wide integration and long-term planning procedures.

Based on our experience of scaling EMIS in different contexts, we have identified six interconnected dimensions necessary for its scaling: coverage (expanding the system boundaries to encompass all educational entities and stakeholders); decentralization (multiplying data system nodes to bring data processes closer to teachers and learners); integration (enhancing system connectivity by linking disparate data subsystems); availability (optimizing information flow to various system actors); frequency (increasing the system's temporal resolution for data collection and analysis); and granularity (enhancing the system's spatial resolution from macro (school-level) to micro (individual) data points, and following learner trajectories over time).

Each scaling dimension introduces new system dynamics. Coverage expansion creates tension between system scope and scalability. Decentralization requires reconfiguration of system resources and processes. Integration increases system complexity, necessitating robust interoperability mechanisms. Availability optimization demands tailored interfaces for diverse system stakeholders. Increased frequency amplifies data input-output cycles, potentially straining system resources. Enhanced granularity exponentially increases the system's data processing and analytical requirements.

The presentation will critically reflect on the six interconnected dimensions for scaling EMIS in low- and middle-income countries, the system dynamics that the scaling dimensions introduce, and the implications of all of this for scaling and systems change.

Author

• Knut Staring, University of Oslo