Conference Welcome
Innovation used to be talked about mainly in relation to such things as microchips and new drugs, science parks or the latest in genomics. But it's increasingly recognized that innovation matters just as much in other fields, from public services to civil society. Indeed social innovation of this kind is arguably even more important to the long-term success of societies like Australia than innovation in technology.
South Australia has a long and proud tradition of being at the forefront of this kind of social innovation. That's why this conference has been organized, to look at what's been learned here in Australia and from around the world. It will examine case studies, theories and practical models. And it will feed into important steps that the state of South Australia is taking to support social innovation in the future.
Societies have always innovated. But systematic research on social innovation - and how promising ideas become real - is very recent. That's what makes this field so extraordinarily exciting. It's bringing together the best of so many disciplines, from history and sociology to economics and political science. And it's bringing new insights into profound processes of social change. I'm confident that this conference will be one of the milestones in the emergence of a field that is rapidly becoming more prominent all around the world.
Geoff Mulgan
Adelaide Thinker in Residence
The History and Future of Social Innovation Conference
As a result of the appointment of Dr Geoff Mulgan as an Adelaide Thinker in Residence, the Government of South Australia, along with the University of South Australia's Hawke Research Institute for Sustainable Societies and the Hawke Centre, the University of Adelaide and the Flinders University is pleased to co-host this conference on the history and future of social innovation.
This conference aims to examine key issues and trends in social innovation and the factors that may influence or inhibit innovation. It provides a rare opportunity for cross-institutional and multi-disciplinary dialogue to examine ideas and factors around social innovation and to consider how to move from the rhetoric around social innovation to the reality. The breadth of the conversation will be wide-ranging, from abstract discussions about innovation, to practical considerations; from building effective cross-sectoral coalitions for innovation, to creating strategies for supporting best socially innovative practice.
Event Details
| Event name: | The History & Future of Social Innovation Conference |
| Date: | 19-Jun-2008 - 21-Jun-2008 |
| Venue: | Hawke Centre |
| Venue Address: | University of South Australia North Terrace Adelaide, SA Australia |
The Conference Paper on Social Innovation in SA is available for download (doc 342 KB)
