Signal Sparks are meant to inform decision makers on ways to engage others around shared challenges. But more importantly, they serve as a foundational living document that evolves throughout a Covalent Society collaboration process. Your organization can decide to engage or exit at any point, but the Signal Spark starts the discussion. 

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Here’s how it works:

 

Topic Selection

Covalent Society identifies a timely, systems-relevant topic through input from our network or internal sensing. Topics may center on emerging risks (like water scarcity), catalytic transitions (like circular value chains), or under-addressed workforce challenges.

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Signal Spark Development

Once a topic is chosen, we develop three increasingly collaborative versions of the Signal Spark.  

• Prototype – Based solely on desk research and literature review. This is our hypothesis about where the signals are emerging and what they mean. The prototype also lays out proposed lines of inquiry for the Signal Spark to evolve. 

• First Iteration – Built from surveys and interviews with early participants. This version begins to reflect real-world experience, divergent perspectives, and on-the-ground priorities.

• Kickoff Edition – Developed exclusively for and with the participants of our convening. This third version is richer, more specific, and tailored to those ready to engage in what comes next. This feeds into our kickoff convening. 

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Kickoff Virtual Convening

What if you went to a high profile panel discussion at a respected workshop for your sector, but instead, everyone in the audience was involved in developing the guidance for the workshop, and was expected to participate in the discussion? The Kickoff Edition of the Signal Spark lays out the foundational points of discussion participants may want to collaborate on inside a virtual convening. Participants find this virtual convening informative, as it provides an opportunity to discuss challenges with people have shared interests.

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After the Signal Spark - Catalyzing Co-Creation
Participants in the kickoff virtual convening are invited to co-develop a follow-on activity—a working group, a pilot, a coalition, or another collaborative structure. Up to this point, the process is meant to be informative. Beyond this, the process goes deep into co-creation of potential solutions, and ways representative organizations can work together to influence change. After the Virtual Convening, Covalent Society will connect with you to gauge your level of commitment to what has been established as a challenge.