1. 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

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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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.”
Eg., “Solving the World’s Toughest Problems” [video]

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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, ; SSHRC-300K
Metrics of Substantive Equality
Gender Parity actualized, 2070

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. “Let’s Innovate Together”

14. References
McGill University Innovation Constellation. A Guide to Entrepreneurship and Innovation at McGill. McGill University, Innovation Steering Committee Recognizing and Rewarding Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Academic Career Path at McGill University. Piscione, D. P “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, Stanford University. Graduate School of Business. Center for Social Innovation. Solve the World’s Most Pressing Problems [video MIN:SEC] URL Toope, S.J 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.

15. Questions?