An evaluation, though an excellent source of information on what works and what doesn’t, can also be at odds with innovation.

Because innovation brings with it change and risks, some organizations may choose to follow “best practices” or foolproof methods. And if evaluators support these, then the message is not to innovate.

“You need to have evaluation with the mindset that says ‘we don't want to reward failure — that's not the point — but risk-taking is a good thing,’" Vinod Thomas, director-general of the Independent Evaluation Department at the Asian Development Bank, told Devex.

So how can evaluation promote innovation?

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