This document summarizes Karen Greenough's research on changes and innovations resulting from the Volta Basin Development Challenge Program projects. She conducted interviews with 140 local participants, non-participants, researchers, technicians and facilitators across multiple projects in Ghana and Burkina Faso. Tentative conclusions suggest definitions of innovation differ between local and external researchers, and that innovations are more likely among those who are wealthy, connected, and participated directly in projects. The document also discusses challenges around people, time, communication and investment that can inhibit fostering innovation through participatory research programs.