Research for Innovation and Social Change Jane Arscott Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences 2016 Faculty of Graduate Studies Research Forum September 24, 2016 Edmonton, Alberta Canada

Research and Innovation Activities at notable universities University of Toronto McGill University Stanford University

University of Toronto Key Messages 5 Step Process Fix the Innovation Gap. Create Prosperity. Opportunities for the Next Generation Address Societal Problems 5 Step Process The Problem, The Innovation, The Approach, The Impact, What’s Next? U of T Ignites Innovation: How the UofT is Transforming Research for Entrepreneurship and Prosperity http://research.utoronto.ca/innovation/wp-content/themes/mr-theme/img/U_of_T_Ignites_Innovation.pdf

McGill University Innovation Constellation A Guide to Entrepreneurship at McGill Innovation is “the process of translating an idea or invention into a good or service that creates value.” Unique Feature Recognizing and Rewarding Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Academic Career Path at McGill University (McGill University, Innovation Steering Committee, 2014) https://www.mcgill.ca/innovation/files/innovation/isc_recommendations_on_recognizing_and_rewarding_innovation_at_mcgill.pdf

Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Center for Social Innovation “A social innovation is a novel solution to a social problem that is more effective, efficient, sustainable, or just than current solutions. The value created accrues primarily to society rather than to private individuals.” http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/centers-initiatives/csi/defining-social-innovation Eg., “Solving the World’s Toughest Problems” [video] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPWGqRmzXn4

Stanford University Drivers of Social Innovation Exchange of ideas and values Shifts in roles and relationships Integration of private capital with public and philanthropic support

Stanford University Research + Innovation + Libraries + Computing encourages students to “develop a big-picture understanding of the systems they work within.” Adopts a Social Innovation Learning Model

My Gloss on Social Innovation “Thinking differently” “human-focused innovation” (Toope, 2016) Involves values, behaviour and systems May result in a change in culture Contributes to sustainability

My Examples of Social Innovation  Problem Innovation Approach Impact What’s Next? Block Credit≠ Transfer Credit A=B;B=C; ♺A=C Quality assurance a shared responsibility; HRDC-300K Pan-Canadian More new pathways Elect More Women Surface and schematize knowledge Public reporting raises awareness, educates; ARC-10K, SSHRC-100K Gender parity Other populations PLAR Rigor and simplicity 320, ↓150, ↓15 x 3=45 Reduce burden of evidence; HRSDC-900K Steady state, accepted use Add general education outcomes, transversal skillls Attrition & Retention Factors: Personal, Institutional, Circumstantial Cross-program comparison; use of a pilot; ARC-6K Positive response to being asked Explore feelings of belonging Gender Equality Agenda Advancement in 50 Year Increments Characterize progress in last 50 years, 1970-2020; SSHRC-300K Metrics of Substantive Equality Gender Parity actualized, 2070

Current Situation Social Innovation validates different ways of being, knowing, and doing Seeks to solve pressing problems by adding value can be modelled, taught and learned

Desired Future State Social innovation embraced by AU Seek alignment with federal policy initiative on innovation Extend participation to students, staff and community partners Renew the university’s identity and culture Be confident. Know our strengths. Do good.

Conclusions Innovation need not be narrowly limited to entrepreneurship Innovation (and entrepreneurship) can be recognized and rewarded Social innovation invites new ways of working well together Social innovation cultivates mutual respect, trust, and positive feelings Working together to serve the public good is worthwhile

“Let’s Innovate Together”

References McGill University. 2016. Innovation Constellation. A Guide to Entrepreneurship and Innovation at McGill. https://www.mcgill.ca/innovation/ McGill University, Innovation Steering Committee. 2014. Recognizing and Rewarding Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Academic Career Path at McGill University. https://www.mcgill.ca/innovation/files/innovation/isc_recommendations_on_recognizing_and_rewarding_innovation_at_mcgill.pdf Piscione, D. P. 2014. “Improvisational Innovation Two Words That Will Turn Employee Ideas into Execution.” The Risk Factor: Why Every Organization Needs Big Bets, Bold Characters, and the Occasional Spectacular Failure. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 97-119. Stanford University. Graduate School of Business. Center for Social Innovation. Solve the World’s Most Pressing Problems [video MIN:SEC] URL Toope, S.J. 2016. We can no longer overlook innovation’s human dimensions. The Hill Times. 4 July. University of Toronto. U of T ignites Innovation. [2015]. How UofT is Transforming Research for Entrepreneurship and Prosperity.

Questions? janea@athabascau.ca