This dissertation studies whether and how innovation can be the force to transform the United Nations (UN) and help them solve the grand challenges in a technologically evolving world. Using qualitative methodology, it answers the broader question of how do the processes of managing, structuring and scaling innovation impact international organizations and the fulfilment of their missions? The findings show that innovative initiatives can create transformational impact to the organization, that the UN agencies can use ecosystems to scale digital solutions globally, and that the innovation units being born within these agencies produce value through the relationships they create. It contributes to the literatures on innovation, digital transformation, and managing the grand challenges. These contributions show the cross-sectoral potential for delivering global impact through innovation as well as revamping institutions that are important actors for development and humanitarian sectors globally.