Pathways to Systemic Change: Inspiring Stories and a New Set of Variables for Understanding Social Innovation

163 Pages·2013·11.014 MB·English

by  Buckland, Heloise;Murillo, David

Antenna for
Social Innovation
Pathways to
systemic change
Inspiring stories and a
new set of variables for
understanding social
innovation
Heloise Buckland and David Murillo
Antenna12_int_ENG_F_DB.indd 1 26/11/2013 15:30
First published 2013 by Greenleaf Publishing Limited
Published 2017 by Routledge
2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN
711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017, USA
Routledge is an imprintof the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business
Copyright © H eloise Buckland and David Murillo
February 2013
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or
utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now
known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in
any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing
from the publishers.
Notice:
Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks,
and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to
infringe.
Design: www.cosmic.es
Cover photo: Alexis Urusoff and Brewbooks
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data:
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN: 978-1-78353-053-3 (pbk)
Antenna12_int_ENG_F_DB.indd 2 26/11/2013 15:30
1
Contents
0 Preface and introduction 4
1 Social innovation variables 8
2 Four inspiring examples
of social innovation 12

Prólogo y Avaaz 16
Barcelona Food Bank:

The “Big Food Collection” campaign 41
presentación
Behavioural Insights Team 65

Barcelona Exchange Networks 94
3 Review of social
innovation concepts 112

Impact and degree of social transformation 116

Cross-sector collaboration 123

Economic sustainability and long-term viability 130

Innovation type 138

Scalability and replicability 144
4 Some insights on social innovation:
from practice to theory 152
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1
0
Prólogo y
Preface and
presentación
introduction
5 PATHWAYS TO SYSTEMIC CHANGE
1
0 This book has been inspired by a desire to deepen our
understanding of social innovation and its role in addressing
today’s most pressing social, economic and environmental
challenges. The growing movement of what can be succinctly
described as “new ideas that solve social problems” is evolving
at an unforeseen pace and we are witnessing an unprecedented
increase in the volume of social innovations as well as the types
of approach taken. In this book we begin by defining a series of
variables to help analyse how, when and why social innovation
Prólogo y can be most effective. Then, using these variables we go on to
Preface and
analyse four inspiring examples of social innovation. Drawing
on this analysis, we conclude by offering some reflections and
presentación
introduction insights on the key parameters that help identify those social
innovations that have the potential to bring about the much
needed systemic change to resolve today’s challenges.
Building on a track record of research and education in corporate
social responsibility and social entrepreneurship in 2011 the Institute
of Social Innovation launched the Antenna for Social Innovation
with the publication of a report which set out to inspire and raise
awareness about the potential for social innovation and to identify
global trends and changes in this evolving sector. The broad overview
offered by this initial report was accompanied by critical reflections
on core debates concerning, firstly, the definitions and characteristics
of social innovation, and, secondly, the challenges faced by social
entrepreneurs and the social contexts in which they operate. In this first
report we used social innovation as an overarching term to encompass
social entrepreneurship, social enterprise, philanthropy and a series
of different, primarily private, initiatives that work towards bringing
solutions to pressing social problems.
Antenna12_int_ENG_F_DB.indd 5 26/11/2013 15:30
6 PREFACE AND INTRODUCTION 7
Ten inspiring social innovations from around the world were highlighted in the first report which concluded A final point regarding how to read this book: fans of the writing of Julio
that the sector is gaining momentum. Indeed, this is evident from the sheer volume of initiatives, from Cortázar will recall the introduction to Rayuela (1963) and the different
grassroots community projects and innovative private initiatives to paradigm-shifting regional and global itineraries the author designed for the reading of his work. There are also
networks for change. Furthermore, the increasing prominence of what have become known as Innovation different ways to engage with the content of this book. We would like to
HUBS also reflects a growing interest in stimulating and supporting these innovations. These HUBS, propose three:
which provide emerging support systems for social entrepreneurs and new innovations, include academic
A. Those interested in gaining an understanding of what social innovation
centres, organisations and foundations, governments and international sharing platforms.
is in practice can go directly to the book’s third section, which is devoted to
Building on our understanding of some of the key characteristics and challenges faced by social the four case studies. They can choose the case study that interests them on
entrepreneurs, in this year’s report we present five key variables to enable a deeper analysis of social the basis of the profile of its instigators (NGO, government or civil society) or
innovation. These variables cover a range of aspects including the level of social transformation achieved, the project’s scope (global, national, regional or local). A brief reading of the
the strategies deployed to work across sectors and boundaries, financial stability and viability, the types introduction of each case study should suffice for the reader to understand
of innovation adopted and finally, the potential to scale or replicate initiatives. the central characteristics of each one prior to immersing themselves in the
transversal analysis of the different variables undertaken for each case study.
We have selected four remarkable initiatives each operating at a very different scale (urban, regional,
national and international) and their stories are explored through the lens of five variables. While each B. For those interested in the theoretical debate concerning social innovation,
case is an inspiring example of social innovation in itself, considering them all as a group contributes we believe that this study provides a relevant contribution to it through its
to a deeper understanding of how best to measure social innovation and identify future challenges and in-depth examination of the different variables and dimensions. Sections 1
success factors. and 3 offer an introduction to and analysis of the literature published on each
of the variables presented. Then in Section 4 a review of this is offered in the
Our selection of case studies and variables is by no means random. Through the analysis of these cases we
light of the case studies examined.
are convinced that we can all learn from the globalised and open environment in which social innovation
operates. Furthermore, the relationship between global and local initiatives is bi-directional: we learn from C. Finally, the traditional way of reading can follow the book’s established
what is happening beyond our political borders by incorporating, translating and adapting what functions order: beginning with the introduction of the variables analysed (Section 1),
well far from here, while also sharing via the internet, through publications, reports and case studies what then addressing their use in the different case studies (Section 2), going on
we have learned about social innovation, thereby transferring it to the global sphere. to see these variables’ development in the specific literature (Section 3) and
finally a re-reading of them on the basis of the principal ideas acquired from
In terms of the chosen variables each is significant. To begin with, we should declare our point of departure:
the case studies (Section 4). The appendices are for those interested in a
there is no one definition of social innovation, nor will there ever be. The debate concerning the precision
more transversal perspective of the different definitions of social innovation
of terminology may be of interest to academics and experts, but when we engage with practitioners, who
and the principal promotional agents.
may potentially be interested in this type of publication, such debates are at best of secondary interest.
What interests us is what each of us understands by social innovation, and above all, according to what
We would like especially to express our gratitude to the teams working at Avaaz, the Behavioural Insights
variables can we think about it, analyse it and transmit it.
Team, Barcelona Food Bank and the Barcelona Exchange Networks, who by sharing their experiences and
Our selection is based on what we understand as the pressing issues affecting our immediate context. challenges with us have made this publication possible. We hope their stories serve both to inspire oth-
We are in need of tried-and-tested initiatives that function: that is to say, which provide some type of ers and to offer insight into the potential that exists for finding new ways of solving today’s most pressing
measurable (local or global) social impact, and which are efficient and results oriented. Therefore, they challenges.
must be initiatives that are willing to cross sectors and management styles (public, private, non-profit) and
to take from each of these spheres whatever they can benefit. Furthermore they must be open initiatives,
replicable and at least to a certain degree scalable. In other words they should be transferable: ones that Heloise Buckland and David Murillo
we can teach about, share and learn from the analysis of their way of working in a way that goes beyond February 2013
their local and specific reality. Finally, and of special relevance for the present economic climate, they
have to be self-sufficient initiatives, independent of the pull of the public sector and in their use of public
funding.
Antenna12_int_ENG_F_DB.indd 6 26/11/2013 15:30
PREFACE AND INTRODUCTION 7 PATHWAYS TO SYSTEMIC CHANGE
Ten inspiring social innovations from around the world were highlighted in the first report which concluded A final point regarding how to read this book: fans of the writing of Julio
that the sector is gaining momentum. Indeed, this is evident from the sheer volume of initiatives, from Cortázar will recall the introduction to Rayuela (1963) and the different
grassroots community projects and innovative private initiatives to paradigm-shifting regional and global itineraries the author designed for the reading of his work. There are also
networks for change. Furthermore, the increasing prominence of what have become known as Innovation different ways to engage with the content of this book. We would like to
HUBS also reflects a growing interest in stimulating and supporting these innovations. These HUBS, propose three:
which provide emerging support systems for social entrepreneurs and new innovations, include academic
A. Those interested in gaining an understanding of what social innovation
centres, organisations and foundations, governments and international sharing platforms.
is in practice can go directly to the book’s third section, which is devoted to
Building on our understanding of some of the key characteristics and challenges faced by social the four case studies. They can choose the case study that interests them on
entrepreneurs, in this year’s report we present five key variables to enable a deeper analysis of social the basis of the profile of its instigators (NGO, government or civil society) or
innovation. These variables cover a range of aspects including the level of social transformation achieved, the project’s scope (global, national, regional or local). A brief reading of the
the strategies deployed to work across sectors and boundaries, financial stability and viability, the types introduction of each case study should suffice for the reader to understand
of innovation adopted and finally, the potential to scale or replicate initiatives. the central characteristics of each one prior to immersing themselves in the
transversal analysis of the different variables undertaken for each case study.
We have selected four remarkable initiatives each operating at a very different scale (urban, regional,
national and international) and their stories are explored through the lens of five variables. While each B. For those interested in the theoretical debate concerning social innovation,
case is an inspiring example of social innovation in itself, considering them all as a group contributes we believe that this study provides a relevant contribution to it through its
to a deeper understanding of how best to measure social innovation and identify future challenges and in-depth examination of the different variables and dimensions. Sections 1
success factors. and 3 offer an introduction to and analysis of the literature published on each
of the variables presented. Then in Section 4 a review of this is offered in the
Our selection of case studies and variables is by no means random. Through the analysis of these cases we
light of the case studies examined.
are convinced that we can all learn from the globalised and open environment in which social innovation
operates. Furthermore, the relationship between global and local initiatives is bi-directional: we learn from C. Finally, the traditional way of reading can follow the book’s established
what is happening beyond our political borders by incorporating, translating and adapting what functions order: beginning with the introduction of the variables analysed (Section 1),
well far from here, while also sharing via the internet, through publications, reports and case studies what then addressing their use in the different case studies (Section 2), going on
we have learned about social innovation, thereby transferring it to the global sphere. to see these variables’ development in the specific literature (Section 3) and
finally a re-reading of them on the basis of the principal ideas acquired from
In terms of the chosen variables each is significant. To begin with, we should declare our point of departure:
the case studies (Section 4). The appendices are for those interested in a
there is no one definition of social innovation, nor will there ever be. The debate concerning the precision
more transversal perspective of the different definitions of social innovation
of terminology may be of interest to academics and experts, but when we engage with practitioners, who
and the principal promotional agents.
may potentially be interested in this type of publication, such debates are at best of secondary interest.
What interests us is what each of us understands by social innovation, and above all, according to what
We would like especially to express our gratitude to the teams working at Avaaz, the Behavioural Insights
variables can we think about it, analyse it and transmit it.
Team, Barcelona Food Bank and the Barcelona Exchange Networks, who by sharing their experiences and
Our selection is based on what we understand as the pressing issues affecting our immediate context. challenges with us have made this publication possible. We hope their stories serve both to inspire oth-
We are in need of tried-and-tested initiatives that function: that is to say, which provide some type of ers and to offer insight into the potential that exists for finding new ways of solving today’s most pressing
measurable (local or global) social impact, and which are efficient and results oriented. Therefore, they challenges.
must be initiatives that are willing to cross sectors and management styles (public, private, non-profit) and
to take from each of these spheres whatever they can benefit. Furthermore they must be open initiatives,
replicable and at least to a certain degree scalable. In other words they should be transferable: ones that Heloise Buckland and David Murillo
we can teach about, share and learn from the analysis of their way of working in a way that goes beyond February 2013
their local and specific reality. Finally, and of special relevance for the present economic climate, they
have to be self-sufficient initiatives, independent of the pull of the public sector and in their use of public
funding.
Antenna12_int_ENG_F_DB.indd 7 26/11/2013 15:30
9
1 The increasing demand for innovative approaches to solve
complex environmental, social and economic challenges is
being met by individuals and organisations from all walks
of life across the planet. A wealth of support mechanisms
has emerged to accompany the growing activity of social
innovators: these include diverse sources of funding,
international sharing platforms, incubators, research
programmes and networks. Coupled with this growing
interest in social innovation there is also an increasing
demand for mechanisms to identify the types of approaches
Social innovation
that are most effective and measure their impact and long-
term viability.
variables
The following five variables have been selected to contribute to the global
debate about what social innovation means, where its boundaries lie, how its
impact can be measured and finally, what the key factors for success are for
any given initiative.
Table 1. Five variables to analyse social innovation
VARIABLE QUESTIONS THAT ARISE
1 Social transformation How effective is the initiative at achieving the desired social transformation,
and impact and resolving the problem it set out to address?
2 Cross-sector collaboration Who are the key stakeholders in ensuring that the initiative is successful
and what are the mechanisms used to engage with them?
3 Economic sustainability and How is the initiative funded and what are the strategies adopted to ensure
long-term viability its survival in the future?
4 Innovation type Is the innovation closed or open to be replicated by others?
Is the idea developed from an earlier concept and what are its innovative
characteristics?
5 Scalability and replicability What is the potential for the initiative to expand or multiply and what
conditions are required for it to be replicated in a different situation?
Antenna12_int_ENG_F_DB.indd 8 26/11/2013 15:30
9 PATHWAYS TO SYSTEMIC CHANGE
1 The increasing demand for innovative approaches to solve
complex environmental, social and economic challenges is
being met by individuals and organisations from all walks
of life across the planet. A wealth of support mechanisms
has emerged to accompany the growing activity of social
innovators: these include diverse sources of funding,
international sharing platforms, incubators, research
programmes and networks. Coupled with this growing
interest in social innovation there is also an increasing
demand for mechanisms to identify the types of approaches
Social innovation
that are most effective and measure their impact and long-
term viability.
variables
The following five variables have been selected to contribute to the global
debate about what social innovation means, where its boundaries lie, how its
impact can be measured and finally, what the key factors for success are for
any given initiative.
Table 1. Five variables to analyse social innovation
VARIABLE QUESTIONS THAT ARISE
1 Social transformation How effective is the initiative at achieving the desired social transformation,
and impact and resolving the problem it set out to address?
2 Cross-sector collaboration Who are the key stakeholders in ensuring that the initiative is successful
and what are the mechanisms used to engage with them?
3 Economic sustainability and How is the initiative funded and what are the strategies adopted to ensure
long-term viability its survival in the future?
4 Innovation type Is the innovation closed or open to be replicated by others?
Is the idea developed from an earlier concept and what are its innovative
characteristics?
5 Scalability and replicability What is the potential for the initiative to expand or multiply and what
conditions are required for it to be replicated in a different situation?
Antenna12_int_ENG_F_DB.indd 9 26/11/2013 15:30