For nearly 10 years, Evidence for Learning (E4L) has helped great practice become common practice in schools and early childhood education by incubating a new national knowledge broker. Before E4L, research evidence was available for some, but not all.

As the service moves on from Social Ventures Australia, the authors reflect on its contribution to Australian education and the lessons for catalysing innovation in the social sector.

E4L successfully advocated for a national 'knowledge broker' for Australian education; it was instrumental in the creation of the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) established in 2021.

The authors describe what worked in fostering this systemic change:

• even though it’s global, good evidence has to be local; 
• lift the system by leveraging the capabilities of existing actors; and
• pilot with purpose and learn out loud.

The article dives into each of these lessons transparently sharing what the leadership team learnt.