Beyond the Stakeholder Map: A systems-thinking framework for strengthening locally rooted, globally connected MERL+technology ecosystems

A research-informed conceptual working paper that proposes five testable feedback-loop hypotheses (four reinforcing, one balancing) and five propositions for strengthening locally rooted, globally connected monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL) and technology ecosystems, 2027 to 2036. It is a desk review of 22 sources; no primary fieldwork was conducted and the framework has not been empirically validated. Keywords: systems thinking; monitoring and evaluation; locally led development; evidence use; causal loop diagrams; data governance; artificial intelligence; professional pathways