1. INSPIRATION, INNOVATION AND
INFORMATION
Melissa L. Bradley
Office Depot Foundation Weekend in Boca
May 2, 2014

2. IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED YOU SHOULD
STRIKE OUT NEW PATHS, RATHER THAN
TRAVEL THE WORN PATHS OF ACCEPTED
SUCCESS
- JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER

3. WHAT IS INNOVATION?
 The application of better solutions that meet new
requirements, as well as known and unknown needs
 More effective processes, products, systems,
technologies or ideas that are readily available to
markets, government and society
 Innovation differs from invention in that innovation refers
to “better,” where invention refers to the “creation of”
 Innovation differs from improvement in that innovation
refers to “doing something different” rather than “doing
the same thing better”

5. INNOVATION EXAMPLES

6. INNOVATION IN THE SOCIAL SECTOR
 Break from previous practice
 Creates new pathways for solving entrenched
social problems
 It emerges gradually
 It is an improvement on invention
 It is adaptable and adjustable
 It has the potential to better society and the way
people live
 It is about changing realities for people
 Looks at problems systematically
 Balances top-down and bottom-up approaches

7. INPUTS TO INNOVATION
 Be willing to take risks
 Ensure competency
 Be patient
 Willing to collaborate
 Be willing to fail
 Have clear outcomes
 Beneficiaries have a voice in the process
 Focus on prosperity
 Seek public-private partnerships
 Support cross-sector engagement

8. OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATION
 VOLUNTEERISM
 Formal vs. Informal
 Skills based
 Use of National Service
 SOCIAL FINANCE
 Innovation Funds
 Evidenced based research
 Leveraged capital
 Impact Investing
 Pay for Success
 COLLABORATION
 Funding and expertise
 Formal vs. Informal

9. RESOURCES (PARTIAL LIST)
 Local Colleges & Universities
 Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR)
 The Solution Economy, William D. Eggers & Paul
Macmillan
 Maria Popova, http:/www.brainpickings.org