Defining Our Own Future: Human Service Leaders on Social Innovation

Abstract

While the social innovation paradigm fosters new thinking for nonprofits, most definitions have come from management. Human service leaders have not driven the definition and application. This exploratory study engaged 23 human service leaders to understand their perspectives on social innovation. Participants identified with social innovation language around developing new solutions but provided more-nuanced language for how innovation manifests in their environment. This language included alignment with business concepts, collaboration, and integration of technology. Given the significant role human services plays in social service delivery, these perspectives are critical in defining the future of social innovation.