from theory to field to policy
Join us in 2021 as we spotlight inclusive innovation
across the world, starting in Asia
our starting point
working towards bridging the gaps
The language of ‘inclusive innovation’ is arguably new. The specific phrase was coined in a World Bank report in 2007, and since then, the term has been used by academics, international organizations and, in recent years, policymakers. However, the phrase has not always been common amongst grassroots innovators or impact enterprises.
why inclusive innovation matters
amplifying the known and uplifting the unknown
For us, the term “inclusive innovation” describes the pursuit of innovation that has social (and environmental) aims, and local context, at its heart. Understood in this way, there are a rich variety of activities underway - that may not have been connected or identified - in Asia and beyond. As we strive to bridge the gaps in practice, we are focused on also recalibrating a mismatch in language and lexicon. We believe that in some cases, those who are doing inclusive innovation are not adequately acknowledged, and so policy is not designed as effectively as it could be, and more generally, the ecosystem is not as collaborative, or inclusive, as it has the potential to be.
how to get involved
The 2021 #InclusiveInnovation Story and Learning Lab” Series
We are seeking to crowdsource and capture the latest emerging trends and examples and personal stories related to inclusive innovation. Some of our labs will be run primarily through network collaborations, yet we also value points of view from across the spectrum and diverse ecosystems. In this sense- if you are an individual working on the ground, in academia, an intermediary organization or among government, then we have a track for you. If you are already apart of our champion network then we look forward to interacting through this curated channel. Either way if you are interested to learn more or get involved - you can join our LinkedIn Community of Practice here, or reach out here.
why we are building on layers of learning
and building a field guide as we go
Layering upon studies of inclusive innovation - including this report from 2020, a collaboration between Nesta and the UNDP Regional Innovation Center of Asia and the Pacific - as well as this UNDP Viet Nam study, and the UN ESCAP and Honeybee Network research on promoting grassroots innovations and inclusive policy, we aim to expand the deck of examples - both upstream and downstream. Across the year the labs will be leveraged and collated into a guide to be published in the Routledge Innovation and Technology Horizons Series.
about the growing lab network
we run on collaboration and the following champion organizations
