UNDP Accelerator Labs Partnership Perception Analysis

Launched in 2019, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Accelerator Labs represent the world’s largest and fastest-learning network focused on addressing sustainable development challenges through grassroots innovation. This report examines how the Labs are perceived by their partners, the Labs’ unique value, and opportunities for the Labs to strengthen future partnerships.  The report is drawn from a global survey (306 responses from 91 Labs across all UNDP operational regions), study visits to Uganda and North Macedonia; and an extensive literature review. Overall, partner perceptions are strongly favorable: 84% of respondents expressed a “very favorable” opinion of the Labs, and 88% reported they are “highly likely” to collaborate again. Partners emphasized the Labs’ unique value in building agile, trust-based partnerships—particularly with non-traditional actors such as grassroots innovators and private sector organizations. 

Key benefits identified by the Labs’ partners include fostering connections, accessing local knowledge, and promoting collaborative problem-solving. At the same time, partners identified areas for improvement, including clearer communication, stronger institutional alignment, and increased support for scaling promising solutions. A comparative analysis of four global innovation lab models further contextualizes these findings. The report concludes with recommendations to clarify the Labs’ unique identity, strengthen access and engagement, build collaborative ecosystems, and preserve their core strengths as a trusted platform for experimentation and evidence-informed action.