Our manifesto

Innovation is 99% Collaboration

The Centre for Social Innovation has identified six prerequisites for social innovation in New Zealand to thrive. We will use our position as an independent specialist to help make all six a reality in 2009.

1. Champions in government and the public sector
Current systems are designed largely to deliver incremental improvements. But in many areas we need breakthrough improvement – and that requires breakthrough ideas. The development and implementation of radical ideas involves a level of risk that goes beyond the traditional mandate of most New Zealand public institutions. The change management involved requires champions at the highest levels.

2. Involvement from the private sector
Business can contribute fresh eyes, new techniques , capabilities and resources, and hard-learned lessons about managing risk and innovation programmes.

3. Involvement from the community sector
Community organisations have the experience and knowledge to provide a richer understanding of identified issues, and the networks and community legitimacy required to implement new solutions.

4. Dedicated innovation funding
Dedicated funding for transformational innovation in the social sphere is in short supply. Innovators will need funding if they are to design and implement pilot projects whose results make a clear case for more mainstream funding.

5. A shared commitment to clear outcomes
Funding will only be justified, and diverse partnerships sustained, if all involved are inspired by selfless goals and ambitious targets.

6. Runs on the Board
Examples of dramatically improved outcomes through the application of social innovation processes will be the best argument for more. To ensure these outcomes are achieved from the outset, we will team experienced international social innovation specialists with local innovators and topic experts.