Understanding Social Innovatn

1.5 Credits · Level: Graduate

Innovation is important to the advancement of society around the world. Social innovation is even more important as it represents new social practices that aim to meet social needs in a better way than the existing solutions, resulting from - for example - working conditions, education, community development, or health. These ideas are created with the goal of extending and strengthening civil society. New and innovative socially oriented products and services can increase the standard of living and provide people with opportunities to improve their lives. Breakthroughs in medicine and technology have significantly improved living standards around the world. Social innovation has also led to significant improvements in the way businesses operate and has closed the gaps between different markets. Social innovation has become a cornerstone in solving some of the world’s most complex social problems. The key to solving these problems is supporting and sustaining systems change. One way this can be accomplished is through a multi-sector approach that incorporates innovation into the entire lifecycle of the business, organization, policy or the like. Too often innovation is limited to creating something new as opposed to modifications or adjustments to what is already in existence. Leveraging research and development expertise, coupled with evidence-based research and best practice, social innovation can be a powerful tool in solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. The course will engage students in understanding the core principles of social innovation and their role as an individual and a member of the larger community. This class will provide students with a time of reflection and personal assessment around one’s ability to develop, implement and evaluate innovation. The course will leverage case studies, guest speakers and other multimedia to introduce skills and tools related to problem identification, needs assessment, risk management and cultural competency. Students will discuss current events and strategies related to community and economic development as well as social finance.