Learning in complexity: insights from Fair Water Footprints

This paper presents a learning stocktake from the early phase of the Fair Water Footprints (FWF) initiative, a multistakeholder partnership working to make water use in global supply chains fairer.

Drawing on two years of implementation, research and engagement, it examines how change is beginning to emerge in practice.

The findings highlight key dynamics shaping progress, including the role of coalitions and trust, the power and limits of evidence, the influence of incentives and accountability, and the non-linear nature of change.

The paper sets out priorities for strengthening impact and offers practical insights for similar initiatives operating in complex systems.