Innovation
Innovation is about finding new and better ways to do things.
It isn’t just about big tech breakthroughs.
Every organisation, project, or community – no matter the size or type – can innovate by making impactful changes.
Inclusive innovation
Developing new ideas, services, products and processes in a way that benefits all of society and the rest of the planet – including people and places that are often ignored and left behind.
When we talk about inclusive innovation in this guide, it includes all activities that are related to innovation. Such as: policies and governance groups, learning and access to infrastructure, research and design activities, gathering funding and investment, as well as the benefits, financial outcomes, wellbeing and recognition. Because if policies, funding, and the like are not inclusive – it’s unlikely that the process of creating or the end results will be inclusive.
When inclusive innovation leads to inclusive growth, it makes sure that creative and useful ideas and inventions benefit everyone and everything, including people and communities, buildings and infrastructure, animals and plants, local ecosystems and the whole planet. This involves 2 steps: building the foundation (Inclusive Innovation) and sharing the benefits (Inclusive Growth) – See more details in “Inclusive growth”
For more definitions of key words, see our Glossary
5 Themes of Inclusive Innovation
From researching the inclusive innovation sources available, and considering what content would be most useful to the initial users of this guide – we have grouped a collection of methods and case studies under 5 Themes:
3 Principles of Inclusive Innovation
After reviewing sources, and discussing then refining a set of 3 Principles, we believe these are key things to keep in mind at all times:
- Equitable, accessible and empowering
- Participative and collaborative
- Regenerative and adaptive