What kind of people and organisations might develop communities? Tom Bentley SURF conference October 2002

Long term transition n globalisation n knowledge-driven economy n value change and social diversity n new political and social movements n environmental challenges n a new lifecycle

Transition and institutional innovation n 19 th century transition: economy, society, governance n New institutional forms: - trade unions - schools - local government - ltd companies - other cooperative and mutual forms

Regeneration and community challenges n stimulating economic activity n developing individual and collective capability n restoring physical environments n engaging people in shared decision-making n centred around a sense of place and belonging

What is community for? Old n Material needs n Social structure n Traditional norms n Mutual dependence New? n Individual space n Diverse relationships n Negotiated respect n Liveability n Socialisation of young n Interdependence

What kinds of people? n social entrepreneurs n institutional brokers/negotiators n community intermediaries n citizens

What kinds of organisations? n Brokers: Creative Lewisham n Investors: City authorities, public agencies n Hubs: Bromley by Bow Centre n Knowledge creators: NEF neighbourhood think tank

How to build them? n Organisational design n Culture of experimentation n Systematic connections n Investing in a new intermediary layer