The challenge of upscaling climate services: Towards a common framework

In its pursuit of a leadership role in climate service (CS) development and uptake, the European Union (EU) has invested in numerous innovation initiatives that have significantly advanced the field. Still, efforts to promote broader uptake are fragmented, which underscores the need for a more systematic approach to stimulate upscaling. Upscaling CSs—the process of transferring, replicating, extending and/or institutionalising CSs in new contexts, thereby increasing the value of services by enhancing impact and adaptation outcomes— presents both theoretical and practical challenges. This perspective article explores the challenge of upscaling CSs and the benefits of a nuanced understanding of contexts in which such services may be expanded. Collaboration between diverse actors—including developers, intermediaries, and users—is recommended within the upscaling process. Against this backdrop, we propose a framework to orient (1) horizontal upscaling (replication to new audiences), (2) vertical upscaling (institutional changes) and (3) functional upscaling (adding functions and/or content). This framework is structured around four guiding questions: ‘why’—to uncover the rationale for upscaling CS, the specific benefits and opportunities; ‘what’—to consider specific components valued and/or demanded to be upscaled; ‘who’ − to consider those involved in the process; and ‘how’—to explore practices and opportunities. We substantiate the suggested framework with a select few real-life CS examples, as well as illustrating hypothetical examples. We propose that adopting an upscaling framework informed by the viewpoints outlined here can help EU‑sponsored initiatives enhance the strategic impact of climate‑service investments and, in turn, improve long‑term climate resilience and adaptation. This article results from a cross-project Thematic Working Group promoted by the EU Mission on Climate Adaptation, fostering the exchange and discussion between 39 different EU projects involving CSs.