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How we work

Social innovation involves a process with four distinct stages

Contemporary social innovation thinking recognises this four-stage process as a critical component in generating transformational outcomes.

1. Understanding and framing

A way of ‘stopping before you start’, this phase asks us to focus on the need or opportunity as it is experienced by those it affects. What are the root causes underlying presenting needs, and what outcomes do people themselves want to achieve? We ask also what we can learn from existing research and experience in NZ and internationally.

2. Generating solutions

The potential of fresh and divergent thinking underpins the social innovation movement. Dozens of techniques to generate fresh ideas are being actively used and tested, with a particular emphasis on working closely with users, front-line staff and other stakeholders.

3. Developing and testing

Allowing for small-scale, rapid prototyping and experimentation, this part of the social innovation process requires a clear focus on desired social outcomes.

4. Scaling up

This phase focuses on creating the networks, structures and support to facilitate the diffusion and dissemination of a successful innovation to a point where it can effect significant social change.

 

About the four-stage social strategy process

This process has been adapted from the models used by the world’s most innovative organisations.

It draws from the world of business and technological innovation, as well as specific social innovation experience.

Interviews with more than 80 social innovators here and abroad have been used to validate and refine our model and how we put it into practice.

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