Thriving in Uncertain Times: Why Now Is the Moment to Think Bigger, Not Smaller
Across sectors, we’re hearing the same questions: “What’s next?” “What will be cut?” “Can we still afford to be bold?” But what if the real risk isn’t in trying too much — but in shrinking back?
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The Moment We’re In
Many institutions are facing budget constraints, shifting priorities, and increasing pressure to prove value. Whether you’re in academia, government, or the non-profit world, it feels like the ground is shifting beneath your feet.
It’s tempting to pause, pull back, and wait for the dust to settle. But history — and data — show that doing so may leave you even further behind when the moment of opportunity comes.
What the Evidence Tells Us
Studies from McKinsey, Harvard Business Review, and others show that organizations that invest in innovation during times of uncertainty consistently outperform their peers after a crisis.
During the 2008 recession, companies that kept investing in bold transformation gained a 10%+ edge in the following decade.
Firms that combined cost discipline with innovation saw 37% better performance than those that only cut.
Transformation success rates were higher during the COVID-19 and Eurozone crises than in more stable years.
Why It Matters for Research and Development
In the research and international development sectors, the call to "do more with less" can often lead to incrementalism. But these sectors are exactly where big, future-focused thinking is needed most.
We believe that this moment offers three urgent imperatives:
Rethink funding models — Diversify beyond traditional donors, and experiment with more participatory or outcome-driven approaches.
Reaffirm the human value of research — Tie research to lived realities and decision-making, not just to publication metrics.
Rebuild shared purpose — Don’t wait for perfect alignment. Create small wins that signal what’s possible when partners work in sync.
Key Takeaway
In uncertain times, the bolder path often becomes the smarter one. Waiting it out may feel safer — but thinking bigger is how we come out stronger, together.