Social Innovation in Corporate and Public Sectors
DEFINition
We don’t define social innovation any differently when it takes place within corporate and public sectors; however, given that these settings tend to be larger and more bureaucratic compared to smaller nonprofits and enterprises, innovation sometimes shows up differently or requires additional skillsets. Here we offer some examples and resources for aspiring innovators who work within corporate or public sector.
Resources
Observatory of Public Sector Innovation
Includes a toolkit navigator (toolkit of toolkits!), case studies, and more.
Social Innovation in Professionalized Settings
This webinar was co-hosted by Miki Stricker-Talbot and Jo-Louise Huq. They discussed…
- Why and how professionalism can limit opportunities for social innovation.
- Two pathways through which social innovation might be introduced when sectors are professionalized.
- Disrupting action and how it can contribute to conditioning professionalized sectors for social innovation.
Leading Public Sector Innovation
by Christian Bason
Alberta Examples
AHS Design Lab
Helps health service providers use human centred design and design sprints to address messy problems.
Suncor Energy Foundation
A private, non-profit, charitable foundation established by Suncor providing support to charitable organizations across Canada. To date, they have invested more than $176 million to charitable organizations across Canada.
Outside Alberta examples
Nesta
Nesta is an innovation foundation turning bold ideas into reality. They offer practical resources for those seeking to fund innovation and/or innovate within government.
Breaking Through: How Corporate Social Innovation Creates Business Opportunity
Shares examples and principles for corporate social innovation.
Apolitical
A global learning platform for public service with case studies and resources on public sector innovation.
MaRS Discovery District
Among other services to support innovators and startups, MaRS offers training and events for innovators in corporate settings.