How to build an evidence- and innovation-support system for the social sector
Charmaine Lyn, Director of Changemaker Education at Ashoka Canada
John Lavis, Professor and Director of the McMaster Health Forum at McMaster University
Andrea Nemtin, CEO of Social Innovation Canada
Sara Lyons, Senior Director, Capacity and Sector Development at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Universities are a indispensable ingredient of a resilient social sector. Building knowledge-focused relationships with communities is at the heart of universities’ mission, and increasing resources toward knowledge-mobilization and community engagement is crucial to success. But what else is needed? How can universities do better in the social innovation ecosystem? The panel will discuss a range of topic that go to the heart of current concerns with the role of universities as anchor institutions in their communities, including :
• What strategic investment and new approaches are needed to establish evidence- and innovation support needed across the social and political ecosystem?
• What are the specific needs of communities and local governments around innovation what is the role of academic research in the process?
• How/should universities transform their institutional strategies, including budget models and management, to fully realize their potential in the social innovation ecosystem?
