INSPIRATION, INNOVATION AND INFORMATIONMelissa L. Bradley

Office Depot Foundation Weekend in Boca

May 2, 2014

IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED YOU SHOULD STRIKE OUT NEW PATHS, RATHER THAN TRAVEL THE WORN PATHS OF ACCEPTED SUCCESS

- JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER

WHAT IS INNOVATION?

The application of better solutions that meet new requirements, as well as known and unknown needs

More effective processes, products, systems, technologies or ideas that are readily available to markets, government and society

Innovation differs from invention in that innovation refers to “better,” where invention refers to the “creation of”

Innovation differs from improvement in that innovation refers to “doing something different” rather than “doing the same thing better”

INNOVATION EXAMPLES

INNOVATION IN THE SOCIAL SECTOR

Break from previous practice Creates new pathways for solving entrenched

social problems It emerges gradually It is an improvement on invention It is adaptable and adjustable It has the potential to better society and the

way people live It is about changing realities for people Looks at problems systematically Balances top-down and bottom-up

approaches

INPUTS TO INNOVATION

Be willing to take risks Ensure competency Be patient Willing to collaborate Be willing to fail Have clear outcomes Beneficiaries have a voice in the process Focus on prosperity Seek public-private partnerships Support cross-sector engagement

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATION

VOLUNTEERISM Formal vs. Informal Skills based Use of National Service

SOCIAL FINANCE Innovation Funds

Evidenced based research Leveraged capital

Impact Investing Pay for Success

COLLABORATION Funding and expertise Formal vs. Informal

RESOURCES (PARTIAL LIST)

Local Colleges & Universities

Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR)

The Solution Economy, William D. Eggers & Paul Macmillan

Maria Popova, http:/www.brainpickings.org