Opinion: In 2025, expect to see the rise of collaborative development

As we approach 2025, the global development landscape demands a radical transformation. The traditional top-down approach to solving social challenges has reached its limits in today’s “polycrisis” world. The latest social progress index reveals a stark reality: Of the over 170 countries studied, only 32 have made meaningful progress, with 61 declining and 77 stagnating. This trend signals an urgent need for innovative approaches. One of the key reasons in my opinion why we have not eradicated poverty or made a major dent in achieving the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals is our “I” mindset. In 2025, I predict a significant shift away from the what's-in-it-for-me mentality toward a collaborative ecosystem of problem solving. The siloed approach that has dominated development work will give way to more integrated, community-driven solutions. How can we shift this status quo? For me the answer is just one word: collaboration. The catalyst for this transformation will be collaborative development — a paradigm that fundamentally reimagines how we approach global challenges. The rise of collaborative development Over the years, I have experimented with the concept of collaborative systems change through my multiple organisations, starting from Childline India to most recently Catalyst 2030. Collaborative development is a different way of doing things — the community determines what they need and policymakers and social innovators work with them to bring about the positive, systemic change they visualize. This change can occur in existing systems, or it can be used to create new, more inclusive systems where they do not exist otherwise. Catalyst 2030 is a true example of collaborative systems change — more than 100 social entrepreneurs and key stakeholders have come together to build out social innovation. But I asked myself, is that enough? Do we need to think more boldly? That’s when words from some of the street children I met during my work at Childline resonated in my head: “Why do you ‘uncles and didi’s’ [social workers] think you know what's best for us? Why don’t you follow the solutions we propose?” And they are right — that is why the next step in development will be collaborative development. Collaborative development, fundamentally, will lead to less wasted resources and more needs-based interventions. This approach can be characterized by several key terms that highlight its fundamental attributes and impact: • Decentralized: Unlike traditional development models that rely on centralized authority, collaborative development promotes a decentralized approach. Local groups will have real decision-making power, with global networks providing support and resources, not dictating terms. • Multistakeholder collaboration: Collaborative development is built on platforms that genuinely bring together community members, organizations, and innovators to co-create solutions, not just consult. • Inclusive: Inclusivity is paramount in collaborative development. By actively involving marginalized and underrepresented groups, this model ensures that solutions are equitable and address the needs of the broader population. This approach not only fosters social justice but also enhances the sustainability of innovations. • Adaptable: The dynamic nature of social challenges requires an adaptable framework. Collaborative development encourages flexibility in methodologies, allowing projects to evolve in response to feedback and changing circumstances. • Iterative: Emphasizing an iterative process, collaborative development fosters continuous learning and improvement. Through cycles of testing, feedback, and refinement, initiatives can adapt to better meet the needs of those they aim to help, ultimately driving more effective outcomes. • Networked: This approach leverages the power of networks — bringing together diverse groups from various sectors to share insights and resources. Networked collaboration facilitates the diffusion of innovative ideas and practices, amplifying their impact across boundaries and geographies. • Agency: By engaging communities in the development process, collaborative development supports individuals and groups to take ownership of their challenges and solutions. This fosters resilience and capacity-building, ensuring that communities are equipped to sustain their initiatives over time. • Impact-driven: Lastly, at its foundation, collaborative development is inherently impact-driven. The focus is not merely on project completion but on creating lasting positive change in society. This results-oriented mindset aligns all stakeholders toward a common goal of improving lives and communities. At its core, collaborative development recognizes that no single entity has all the answers. It dismantles the notion of a top-down, centralized approach, replacing it with a networked, inclusive paradigm wherein individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions contribute to the co-creation of solutions. It harnesses the collective intelligence and diverse perspectives of participants, ensuring that initiatives are not only innovative but also deeply relevant to the needs of our communities. Reimagining resource allocation Crucially, collaborative development also democratizes access to resources. Traditional funding structures often impose barriers that hinder grassroots initiatives from flourishing. However, a distributed model encourages collaboration with funders, technology partners, and service providers, creating an ecosystem of support that helps diverse players to pursue social innovation. In 2025, I believe we will see a continued fundamental restructuring of how resources are allocated — this has already begun in the shape of participatory grant-making or trust-based philanthropy. Beyond philanthropy, funding will move from traditional grant mechanisms to dynamic, community-controlled pools that prioritize local expertise and innovation. AI-powered collaborative intelligence Artificial intelligence will emerge as a critical tool for collaborative development. Not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a powerful amplifier of collective intelligence. AI will help identify patterns, translate local knowledge, and connect innovative solutions across different contexts. Collaborative development to me is a powerful movement toward a more equitable and innovative future. In 2025, collaborative development will no longer be an alternative approach — it will become a mainstream approach to development. And hopefully an answer to the question posed by street children and communities across the world — jointly working towards an equitable world and a flourishing planet.