A consistent approach to benchmarking and performance assessments enables standard evaluations of aquaculture systems and the benefits associated with uptake of research and innovation, which is key to sound research, policy and investment decisions. Dissemination systems for aquaculture research and innovation must account for context-specific opportunities and constraints that affect adoption, with specific focus on enablers for adoption by vulnerable groups and long-term sustainability. Inclusive business models, such as the local service provider model or collective farming, offer important opportunities for women, youth and other small-scale value chain actors, but require greater support from public and private sectors. Open access tools and standard methods for data generation can contribute to a data ecosystem to support development and implementation of evidence-based interventions at national, regional and global scales.