Advancing Inclusive Innovation: Key Insights from the BORDERLINK GDIM Survey (2025–2026)

Equality and inclusion are not peripheral considerations—they are strategic enablers of better research, more resilient technologies, and more effective stakeholder engagement.

The 2025–2026 Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Monitoring (GDIM) Survey offers a clear, evidence-based perspective on how inclusion is being actively implemented across the BORDERLINK Consortium. Far from being abstract principles, equality and diversity are increasingly embedded in research design, technology development, and stakeholder engagement—ultimately strengthening both system performance and project outcomes.

Strong Institutional Foundations for Inclusion

Across all 18 BORDERLINK partners, robust organisational frameworks for equality and inclusion are already in place. Public authorities report structured equality mechanisms, while universities and private sector partners highlight comprehensive EDI policies and targeted training initiatives.

Notable examples include:

• Gender-balanced panels and mandatory unconscious bias training at the University of Galway

• Leadership representation, pay gap mitigation, and flexible working arrangements at Irish Revenue

These efforts provide a solid institutional foundation, enabling inclusion to be systematically integrated across the Consortium.

Embedding Inclusion into Design and Methodology

Several partners are moving beyond policy and embedding inclusion directly into their technical and methodological approaches:

• CBRA integrates gender-neutral language, inclusive user roles, and non-stereotypical scenarios

• INTA applies intersectional stakeholder analysis

• Satways incorporates diverse user sampling in requirements engineering

• VICESSE systematically applies Gendered Innovations, IGAR, and intersectionality frameworks

• UNIL promotes inclusive design in both technology development and dissemination

These practices not only reduce bias but also enhance usability and broaden the applicability of solutions—key priorities for policymakers and technical teams aiming to future-proof systems.

Inclusion Across the Project Lifecycle

Inclusion is not confined to a single phase of the project; it is embedded throughout the BORDERLINK lifecycle:

• WP2–3: Research and data collection

• WP4–7: Technology development

• WP5–8: Trials and demonstrations

• WP9: Dissemination

Concrete outputs include gender-neutral interfaces, inclusive communication materials, hybrid participation formats, and balanced pilot recruitment strategies. Together, these measures contribute to more representative data, more resilient system design, and stronger stakeholder trust.

From Principles to Practice: Structured Tools

The survey highlights a growing recognition of the value of structured tools in strengthening analytical rigour. While partners such as VICESSE and INTA apply formal frameworks, others adopt inclusive design principles through user-centred approaches.

Looking ahead, the Consortium is moving towards lightweight, scalable tools—such as IGAR-lite prompts—that can be easily integrated into both technical and non-technical workflows without increasing administrative burden.

Strategic Next Steps

To consolidate progress and ensure consistent implementation, four strategic actions are being advanced:

1. GDIM Practice Notes

Concise, visual guidance covering:

• Inclusive personas

• Gender-neutral interface design

• Intersectional data collection

• Inclusive dissemination

2. IGAR-lite Prompts

Three simple questions designed to strengthen analytical rigour and reduce bias across all deliverables.

3. Regular GDIM Check-ins

Annual monitoring embedded within work package governance structures.

4. Broader Framing of Diversity

Positioning inclusion within a wider “diversity of perspectives” approach to better align with partner cultures and encourage uptake.

Conclusion: Inclusion as a Performance Driver

Inclusion is a driver of system performance.

The findings from the GDIM Survey clearly demonstrate that equality and inclusion are not peripheral considerations—they are strategic enablers of better research, more resilient technologies, and more effective stakeholder engagement.

For policymakers and technical teams alike, the message is clear: embedding inclusion is not only the right approach—it is essential for delivering impactful, future-ready innovation.