To assess the resilience and adaptability of an innovation initiative or collaborative process under varying conditions and stress factors.

The Robustness Scan is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate how well an innovation activity or system can withstand disruptions such as staff turnover, policy changes, funding uncertainty, or external shocks. It helps identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement by simulating “what if” scenarios and testing the system’s response.

Typical steps include:

• Mapping key components of the initiative (actors, resources, dependencies)
• Identifying potential stressors or disruptions
• Evaluating the system’s ability to maintain function and purpose
• Prioritising actions to strengthen robustness

The scan is suitable for workshops, team reflections, or strategic planning sessions.

Tips for use: 

• Use real scenarios to make the scan concrete and relevant.
• Involve diverse stakeholders to capture different vulnerabilities.
• Focus on both technical and relational robustness.
• Document findings and revisit them during project milestones.
• Be mindful of hidden dependencies and informal roles—map not just formal structures but also informal dynamics.
• Treat robustness as a dynamic quality—reassess regularly as conditions change.
• Translate findings into actionable steps—ensure the scan leads to practical improvements.

• Robustness Scan template or worksheet
• Flipcharts or digital boards
• Scenario cards (optional)
• Markers or sticky notes
• Group facilitation guide