Social innovation: it’s not about the idea or the “aha” moment. It’s about creating a critical mass of stakeholder champions. Surprised? So was I, but UC Davis Center for Entrepreneurship chair Andy Hargadon and Rockefeller President Judith Rodin presented compelling arguments and multiple examples to make the case at the Council on Foundation’s Annual Conference in Denver.
According to the discussion during the conference session, “Social Innovation: What it is and what it means for Philanthropy,” it turns out that after 4000-plus mousetrap patents, the most effective and bestselling mousetrap is one of the first traps designed, thereby destroying the adage that if you build a better mousetrap people will beat a path to your door!
According to Rodin and Hargadon, who’ve studied and spearheaded plenty of successful innovations, success requires a network of stakeholdershardwired to contribute, spread and continuously improve philanthropy’s work. It can be an old idea thought about in a new way, but it must engage. As Rodin said, “If you want impactful answers, ask everyone.”
To read the full, original article click on this link: “Social Innovation” – it may not be what you think it is - RE:Philanthropy
Author: Ophelia Basgal is the vice president of community relations at the Pacific Gas & Electric Company.
