The KIN Catalyst provides a neutral, trusted platform for multi-stakeholder groups to come together to tackle an intractable issue facing an industry sector or society at large, catalyzing meaningful change. 

The KIN Catalyst is a journey that requires significant commitment by stakeholders and an industry leader willing to break from the status quo to call for significant change. It takes time to build the kind of trust that allows for open and sometimes contentious discussion, as well as a willingness to forge a new path. 

Key to the success of a KIN Catalyst is a good balance between industry-related stakeholders and those affected by the industry. Inclusion is essential for the development of innovative and durable solutions. It is also important to keep meetings to no more than 50 people in a room, which makes it easier not only to speak and be heard, but also to listen to others: "Organizational armor" is left at the door. 

Catalysts follow a six-step process, which was developed by the Forum for the Future. There is no set time-table for each step, but the order is important. 

1. Experience the need for change
2. Diagnose the system
3. Create pioneering practices
4. Enable the tipping
5. Sustain the transition
6. Set the rules of the new mainstream

History

The idea for first KIN Catalyst grew out of conversation at KIN Global 2011 between Anglo American's Mark Cutifani and KIN Senior Fellow Peter Bryant. Mining was in trouble on a variety of fronts. A chronic lack of investment in innovation had led to reduced productivity, higher costs and subpar returns on capital. At the same time, a legacy environmental, health and safety issues had cost the industry its social license to operate in many communities.

The inaugural meeting of the KIN Catalyst for the Mining Company of the Future was convened in Brazil in 2012. Participants included miners, suppliers, investors and representatives from indigenous groups. Subsequently, a smaller working group was convened to co-create the Developmental Partner Framework, a call to action to transform the mining industry. 

In 2014, a second KIN Catalyst was convened to focus on the development of unconventional sources of oil and gas (fracking) and its rapidly declining social license to operate. 

The more complex and challenging the issues , the more value the KIN Catalyst process can bring to the table. Success depends entirely on the hard work of the stakeholders. By providing a trusted, neutral platform and facilitating open and frank discussion, change—with better outcomes for all— becomes possible.