Understanding the Value of Social Innovation Labs: Solutions to Complex Social Problems

UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE OF SOCIAL INNOVATION LABS SOCIAL INNOVATION LABS ARE A NEW APPROACH TO SOLVING COMPLEX PROBLEMS. 2/3 of social innovation labs were founded in the past five years, and the market for social innovation labs is approximately $150M. However, a market size does not represent the true worth of social innovation labs. Here is a more in-depth look at the value of social innovation labs. SOLUTIONS TO COMPLEX SOCIAL PROBLEMS Labs tackle complex challenges faced by poor or vulnerable people that traditional approaches have failed to solve Traditional problem solving is best used when: VS. Social innovation labs are best used when: Problem Problem Is clearly defined Confined to a Affects Can change in unexpected single sector or organization many stakeholders and sectors ways Parties agree on a solution No solution has been identified Someone is clearly responsible for solving the problem No clear accountability for solving the problem Outcomes of Innovation THIS PROCESS FOSTERS: LABS NEW NOVEL SOLUTIONS KNOWLEDGE NETWORKS CAPACITY AND SKILLS BUILDING Ingredients of a Lab Diverse Experimentation and learning by doing Unique tools and processes stakeholders Resources: -ir ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION #rflabs http://verbolce.instedd.arg http://www.rockefelerfoundation.org/our-work/ourrent-work/innovation/social-innovation-labs