Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Innovation is the creation of better or more effective products, processes, services, technologies, or ideas that are accepted by markets, governments, and society. (source: Wikipedia)

T
Chief Catalyst at SoJo

here are no shortage of problems and challenges in today's world which could use innovation, as defined above. In order to "create" the innovative and creative solutions needed to address unmet social needs and environmental

challenges , we need to create an environment that celebrates and encourages innovation in its infancy. Through gatekeepers, exclusive networks, and a focus on supporting proven successes, in many ways we have created an environment where an enormous amount of potential is left unsupported and thrown on the curbside. When talking about innovation, we must critically examine our efforts in supporting individuals in their very early stages of developing new ideas, products and processes. In addition to supporting individuals with proven models and who have already been recognized as a high potential, we need to equally focus on creating an environment that identifies potential and invests in individuals so they are better equipped to achieve high social impact. Innovation does not occur in isolation and the entire not-for-profit sector acts as an ecosystem, where every actor has a role to play to actively building this environment that supports early-stage innovation: For individuals with the good intentions committed to taking action, dare to dream big. Not only should you come up with a vision, you should come up with a world-shaking-vision. See how your innovations will impact change on a broader level. Whether it be a project that radically changes the life of one individual or makes systemic changes that will subtly change the lives of many - think big. In addition to thinking big, share your innovations in a big way. Please ideate at an early stage, develop your product with your audience, openly talk about your shortcomings and big questions. The more you put out in the universe, the more energy (and constructive feedback) will come your way to develop your innovations. For the rest of us who support those individuals with bold innovations, if we're truly committed to innovation, we need to walk our talk. Although there is little tolerance for halfbaked ideas with no follow-through, we do need to encourage innovators in the very early stages to share their ideas and provide the infrastructure needed to develop those individuals and their ideas. Constructive feedback when solicited, encouragement, emotionally supporting the innovator, making more financial capital available for experimentation, better access to knowledge and creating comfortable physical and online spaces that convene innovators are all examples of how we can promote innovation in its infancy. SoJo is making knowledge and information accessible to young social innovators who are in the very early stages of project development and execution. The content curated by SoJo focuses on the practical "how-to" of idea development and project execution, and on the personal growth of the individual behind the idea. Content is simplified and written in a language that is inviting, and not overwhelming. By helping young people navigate the challenges of launching a social venture, we can enable them to focus their creative energies on working with their target communities to affect social change. In my opinion, one of the biggest impediments to achieving and fostering innovation is not capitalizing on all the brilliant, world-changing innovations that surround us. In the words of Cindy Gallop, "The single biggest pool of untapped resources in this world is human good intention not translated into action." Social innovation stems from good intentions, coupled with the courage to dream big. What are you doing to support an individual who has the courage to share a bold innovation in its infancy?

Sourcing bright ideas, fresh perspectives and personal opinions on transformational change from Ontario and around the world www.otf.ca/sic