Organized by: OCAD University, Robert LukeWhat is inclusive innovation? How do we achieve it?
These are important questions to ask as we continue to pivot into a knowledge based global economy. Inclusive innovation is a worthy outcome to strive for. But in order to achieve it, we need to ensure that the inputs are inclusive. We can usefully plot this into a logic model, which provides a way for understanding the relationships between the various inputs, activities and outputs that will help us achieve the outcome(s) commensurate with the focus on inclusive innovation.
When we look at innovation through this lens and work back from the goal of inclusive innovation we can see that there are gaps in the material conditions that would support the outcome of inclusive innovation. Innovation inputs usefully include the pipeline of science and technology and research and development (S&T and R&D), funding, people, culture, activities: those conditions and material supports that are put into play against any innovation effort.
Inclusive innovation means focusing not just on simple to count measures such as patents and publications, but on the full spectrum of innovation outputs.
- We need to ask: whose perspective has been left out of innovation?
- What activities and disciplines are needed to facilitate innovation?
- What outputs result from these inputs?
When we look at innovation through this lens and work back from the goal of inclusive innovation we can see that there are gaps in the material conditions that would support the outcome of inclusive innovation.
The authors in this series offer helpful advice, expertise and perspectives on inclusive innovation.
- Dori Tunstall, Dean of Design, OCAD University, on BIPOC entrepreneurship (and Black Panther!)
- Malavika Kumaran, Senior Associate, Research, MaRS Data Catalyst, on women in tech
- Ken Doyle, Executive Director of TechAccess Canada on later-stage applied R&D and experimental development in support of diversity of activity
- Dominique Bérubé, Vice-President, Research Programs, SSHRC will address the role of humanities and social sciences in addressing grand challenges and multidisciplinary research.
Inclusive innovation is a worthy outcome to strive for. In order to achieve it, we need to ensure that the inputs, activities and outputs are inclusive. When we do so, we leverage the full spectrum of capacity from across society, and help to build more resilient social, cultural and economic outcomes.
