INSPIRATION, INNOVATION AND INFORMATIONMelissa L. Bradley
Office Depot Foundation Weekend in Boca
May 2, 2014
IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED YOU SHOULD STRIKE OUT NEW PATHS, RATHER THAN TRAVEL THE WORN PATHS OF ACCEPTED SUCCESS
- JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER
WHAT IS INNOVATION?
The application of better solutions that meet new requirements, as well as known and unknown needs
More effective processes, products, systems, technologies or ideas that are readily available to markets, government and society
Innovation differs from invention in that innovation refers to “better,” where invention refers to the “creation of”
Innovation differs from improvement in that innovation refers to “doing something different” rather than “doing the same thing better”
INNOVATION EXAMPLES
INNOVATION IN THE SOCIAL SECTOR
Break from previous practice Creates new pathways for solving entrenched
social problems It emerges gradually It is an improvement on invention It is adaptable and adjustable It has the potential to better society and the
way people live It is about changing realities for people Looks at problems systematically Balances top-down and bottom-up
approaches
INPUTS TO INNOVATION
Be willing to take risks Ensure competency Be patient Willing to collaborate Be willing to fail Have clear outcomes Beneficiaries have a voice in the process Focus on prosperity Seek public-private partnerships Support cross-sector engagement
OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATION
VOLUNTEERISM Formal vs. Informal Skills based Use of National Service
SOCIAL FINANCE Innovation Funds
Evidenced based research Leveraged capital
Impact Investing Pay for Success
COLLABORATION Funding and expertise Formal vs. Informal
RESOURCES (PARTIAL LIST)
Local Colleges & Universities
Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR)
The Solution Economy, William D. Eggers & Paul Macmillan
Maria Popova, http:/www.brainpickings.org
