Social Innovation: How Societies Find the Power to Change

Description

The 21st century has brought a cornucopia of new knowledge and technologies. But there has been little progress in our ability to solve social problems across the globe. Geoff Mulgan is a pioneer in the global field of social innovation. Building on his experience advising international governments, businesses and foundations, he explains how it provides answers to today's global social, economic and sustainability issues. He argues for matching R&D in technology and science with a socially focused R&D and harnessing creative imagination on a larger scale than ever before. Weaving together history, ideas, policy and practice, he shows how social innovation is now coming of age, offering a comprehensive view of what can be done to solve the global social challenges we face. 'This book helps us understand the crucial role of social innovation in shaping new social practices for the 21st century.' - Jurgen Howaldt, TU Dortmund University

Sir Geoff Mulgan is Professor of Collective Intelligence, Public Policy and Social Innovation at University College London (UCL). Previously he was Chief Executive of Nesta, the UK's innovation foundation, Director of the government's Strategy Unit and Head of Policy in the Prime Minister's office, Chief Executive of The Young Foundation, Director of the think-tank Demos and Chief Adviser to Gordon Brown MP and a reporter on BBC TV and radio. He is a senior visiting scholar at Harvard University and advises governments around the world. He is the author of many books including Good and Bad Power (Penguin) and Big Mind (Princeton University Press).

"Mulgan's wide-ranging vision and extensive experience are on display in this whirlwind tour of the prospects and challenges facing social innovators. Enjoy the ride!" Mark H. Moore, Harvard University "This book helps us understand the crucial role of social innovation in shaping new social practices for the 21st century." Jurgen Howaldt, TU Dortmund University "A bold, inspiring book that will leave you smarter, more inspired, and ready to improve the world. Geoff makes a strong case for how to drive social innovations locally and globally using deep rigour and powerful examples." Kriss Deiglmeier, CEO Tides "Demystifies and contextualises social innovation, showing us why we need it now, more than ever. It connects theory to practice and is a must-read for anyone wanting to improve society." Louise Pulford, Social Innovation Exchange "Based on the vast experience and insightful expertise of Geoff Mulgan, this book not only discusses the potential and limits of social innovation but, more importantly, showcases how all sectors can best embed its principles to address the most pressing challenges of our century." Isabel Mota, President of the Board of Trustees of Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation "This book gives a wide audience what some of us have been privileged to hear from Mulgan in person: the reflections of a profound thinker who is charting new territory in social innovation, demonstrating how we can rise to the most complex challenges of our era." Stephen Huddart, President & CEO, the McConnell Foundation.