Published
Nov 26, 2019Page count
306 pagesISBN
978-1447353799Dimensions
216 x 138 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Nov 26, 2019Page count
306 pagesISBN
978-1447353812Dimensions
Imprint
Policy PressPublished
Nov 26, 2019Page count
306 pagesISBN
978-1447353812Dimensions
Imprint
Policy Press
Social Innovation
In the media
On our blog: Social innovation and the case for DIY societies
On our blog: Creativity depends on mess and disruption – but where does that leave us?
On our blog: The grammar of good government, or why prepositions matter
'Technology will not save us from climate change – but imagining new forms of society will' in The Conversation
The 21st century has brought a cornucopia of new knowledge and technologies. But there has been little progress in our ability to solve social problems using social innovation – the deliberate invention of new solutions to meet social needs - across the globe.
Geoff Mulgan is a pioneer in the global field of social innovation. Building on his experience advising international governments, businesses and foundations, he explains how it provides answers to today’s global social, economic and sustainability issues. He argues for matching R&D in technology and science with a socially focused R&D and harnessing creative imagination on a larger scale than ever before.
Weaving together history, ideas, policy and practice, he shows how social innovation is now coming of age, offering a comprehensive view of what can be done to solve the global social challenges we face.
Sir Geoff Mulgan is Professor of Collective Intelligence, Public Policy and Social Innovation at University College London (UCL). Previously he was Chief Executive of Nesta, the UK's innovation foundation, Director of the government's Strategy Unit and Head of Policy in the Prime Minister's office, Chief Executive of The Young Foundation, Director of the think-tank Demos and Chief Adviser to Gordon Brown MP and a reporter on BBC TV and radio. He is a senior visiting scholar at Harvard University and advises governments around the world. He is the author of many books including Good and Bad Power (Penguin) and Big Mind (Princeton University Press).
Introduction: the great imbalances
I MAKING SENSE OF SOCIAL INNOVATION
What is social innovation and how is it done?
The roots of social innovation and the fragile springs of social generativity
II. CHALLENGES, ROADBLOCKS AND SYSTEMS
The political context for social innovation now: thesis, antithesis and synthesis
Structural change and new social contracts: how innovation in welfare can address changing needs
Social production systems: what is the best unit for analysis and action?
Place-based systems change: how can governments, funders and civil society achieve more together?
III. SOURCES, IDEAS AND WAYS OF SEEING
The theoretical foundations of social innovation: sources, ideas and future directions
Social science and intelligence design
Observation, interpretation and activism: sociology's role in social change
Understanding how cultures change
A theory of belonging: how do we feel at home?
The interpretation of social change
IV GOOD AND BAD SOCIAL INNOVATION
Know Your Impact (and in praise of better borrowing)
The evolution of measures that matter: how do we know if social innovation is working?
Good and bad innovation: what theory and practice do we need to distinguish them?
V SOCIAL INNOVATION AND THE FUTURE
Social innovation in the 2020s
Thinking about the future
VI FRESH THINKING
