Developing digital impact measurement tools with social enterprises: a situated learning perspective

Purpose This paper aims to extend the understanding of how impact measurement capability can be fostered among social enterprises. It presents empirical insights from a novel experience of developing a cloud-based outcomes and impact measurement and reporting platform for and with small to medium social enterprises in Australia. Design/methodology/approach The paper is guided by a situated learning theory lens and draws on thematic analysis of data collected from co-design and action research that underpinned the technology development. Findings Learning and practice benefits were observed in the co-design process of the platform development, as participants brought diverse expertise to the process, interacted, shared knowledge and practice and diffused learning from the process to other communities of practice within their organisational and operating settings. At the same time, the technology-led solution acted as a boundary object around which its co-developers interacted and navigated different practices and perspectives among researchers, social entrepreneurs and technologists. Additionally, the development of the platform reinforced the limitations of seeking universalised responses to highly diverse organisational and ecosystem needs. Originality/value The paper contributes to understanding the relational domain of social impact measurement for social enterprises in a learning process and brings empirical insights from co-designing and co-creating technology solutions for social impact measurement with social enterprises.