Overview

The 21st century has brought a cornucopia of new knowledge and technologies. But there has been little progress in our ability to solve social problems using social innovation – the deliberate invention of new solutions to meet social needs - across the globe. Geoff Mulgan is a pioneer in the global field of social innovation. Building on his experience advising international governments, businesses and foundations, he explains how it provides answers to today's global social, economic and sustainability issues. He argues for matching R&D in technology and science with a socially focused R&D and harnessing creative imagination on a larger scale than ever before. Weaving together history, ideas, policy and practice, he shows how social innovation is now coming of age, offering a comprehensive view of what can be done to solve the global social challenges we face.

Full Product Details

Author:   Geoff Mulgan (University College London)
Publisher:   Bristol University Press
Imprint:   Policy Press
ISBN:  

9781447353799

ISBN 10:   144735379
Pages:   306
Publication Date:   26 November 2019
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
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Table of Contents

Introduction: the great imbalances I MAKING SENSE OF SOCIAL INNOVATION What is social innovation and how is it done? The roots of social innovation and the fragile springs of social generativity II. CHALLENGES, ROADBLOCKS AND SYSTEMS The political context for social innovation now: thesis, antithesis and synthesis Structural change and new social contracts: how innovation in welfare can address changing needs Social production systems: what is the best unit for analysis and action? Place-based systems change: how can governments, funders and civil society achieve more together? III. SOURCES, IDEAS AND WAYS OF SEEING The theoretical foundations of social innovation: sources, ideas and future directions Social science and intelligence design Observation, interpretation and activism: sociology's role in social change Understanding how cultures change A theory of belonging: how do we feel at home? The interpretation of social change IV GOOD AND BAD SOCIAL INNOVATION Know Your Impact (and in praise of better borrowing) The evolution of measures that matter: how do we know if social innovation is working? Good and bad innovation: what theory and practice do we need to distinguish them? V SOCIAL INNOVATION AND THE FUTURE Social innovation in the 2020s Thinking about the future VI FRESH THINKING

Reviews

Mulgan's wide ranging vision and extensive experience are on display in this whirlwind tour of the prospects and challenges facing social innovators. Enjoy the ride! Mark H. Moore, Harvard University This book helps us understand the crucial role of social innovation in shaping new social practices for the 21st century. Jurgen Howaldt, TU Dortmund University Demystifies and contextualises social innovation, showing us why we need it now, more than ever. It connects theory to practice and is a must read for anyone wanting to improve society. Louise Pulford, Social Innovation Exchange Based on the vast experience and insightful expertise of Geoff Mulgan, this book not only discusses the potential and limits of social innovation but, more importantly, showcase how all sectors can best embed its principles to address the most pressing challenges of our century. Isabel Mota, President of the Board of Trustees of Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation This book gives a wide audience what some of us have been privileged to hear from Mulgan in person: the reflections of a profound thinker who is charting new territory in social innovation, demonstrating how we can rise to the most complex challenges of our era. Stephen Huddart, President & CEO, the McConnell Foundation.

Author Information

Sir Geoff Mulgan is Professor of Collective Intelligence, Public Policy and Social Innovation at University College London (UCL). Previously he was Chief Executive of Nesta, the UK's innovation foundation, Director of the government's Strategy Unit and Head of Policy in the Prime Minister's office, Chief Executive of The Young Foundation, Director of the think-tank Demos and Chief Adviser to Gordon Brown MP and a reporter on BBC TV and radio. He is a senior visiting scholar at Harvard University and advises governments around the world. He is the author of many books including Good and Bad Power (Penguin) and Big Mind (Princeton University Press).

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