Humanitarian needs are rising, funding is under increasing pressure, and operating contexts are becoming more complex. In this context, innovation is essential. Since 2018, the Humanitarian Innovation Programme (HIP) has supported innovation projects that save lives, alleviates suffering and preserve human dignity. These have improved access to critical safety information, strengthened cash assistance delivery, and enabled new financing models for climate-resilient housing in crisis-affected communities. Together, they show what is possible when humanitarian actors, crisis-affected people and the private sector work together in new ways.

Why a new strategy?

The strategy draws on the 2024 evaluation of HIP, Norway’s Humanitarian Strategy (2024-2029), and input from grant recipients, advisors and stakeholders. It confirms the importance of innovation, while underscoring the need for more focused, strategic and system-oriented approaches.

Innovation goes beyond individual projects. It shapes how problems are addressed, how partnerships are formed, how solutions are funded, and how adoption and scaling are enabled. In a context of growing needs and constrained resources, innovation must be directed where it can deliver the greatest impact.

Our ambition for the years ahead

With this strategy, we commit to keeping HIP nimble, responsive and innovative as we scale our impact. We will continue to adapt to the needs of the sector and of crisis-affected people, while centring the innovative capacity of those closest to the challenges. Our ambition is to act as a catalyst in shaping a humanitarian response that is more capable of innovation.

Download the strategy here.