CoCreative conducted interviews in early 2025 with systems change practitioners, including network leaders, field leaders, and funders, to assess the current state of collaborative systems change work. The research aimed to understand the field's landscape, identify emerging needs and opportunities, and explore how the field might evolve to meet contemporary challenges.

The interviews revealed significant challenges in collaborative systems work while highlighting innovative approaches practitioners are developing to meet them. While these conversations took place shortly after the transfer of political power in the United States, the impacts of that transition have continued to emerge, making the themes explored here—collaboration from the heart, abundance mindset, and adaptive leadership—feel even more essential as we face an increasingly complex and polarized world.

We invite you to download the full report below and explore what insights are resonating with you, what is missing that you are noticing or experiencing and to reach out with your questions and thoughts on what’s here!

The report acknowledges the valuable contributions of participants who openly shared their experiences, both successes and struggles, demonstrating the collaborative spirit essential to effective systems change work.

If you’re curious about how CoCreative supports leaders and networks, let’s connect!