Synopsis
The struggle to solve local and global issues often appears to pitch large corporations and governments against activists, artists, workers and ordinary citizens. But what happens when these entities consciously join forces and share resources to create social change?It's happening more than you might think--in a growing phenomenon known as social labs. And Labcraft offers an intimate picture of this new and evolving landscape--where seemingly disparate stakeholders network and align as learning communities who collaborate for positive change.Social innovation labs do what we expect laboratories to do--invent and experiment. But their "test tubes" are real-world challenges. And as they explore new connections, new ideas, and new initiatives, they often generate new perspectives and promising solutions.A lab's practices and methods are as important as its projects and outcomes--and this honest, reflective account provides insight into the flexible, joyful, and open-minded approach they're pioneering.A fittingly collaborative effort in itself, Labcraft was written in a four-day "Book Sprint" by representatives from seven innovation labs from around the world. These practitioners share their stories, experiences and perspectives, and consider their commonalities and differences. They offer humble observations about their struggles and successes, and detail how they navigate their unique dilemmas and paradoxes.
From workspaces and funding to impact measurement and power dynamics, Labcraft explores what it takes to cultivate a nimble and responsive environment--and gives a face to the poignant potential of these creative new collaborations
Review
"A timely, accessible yet sophisticated contribution written by practitioners for practitioners. Packed with stories and accounts of first-hand experience, this short volume brings to life the work of labs and will be a great resource for all those interested in this new exciting way of promoting social innovation." -Davide Nicolini, Professor of Organization Studies, Warwick Business School
"An insightful and delightful voyage through and wonderful mix of stories and practical insights that help anyone on this quest of new thinking for a better world." -Louise Marra, Executive Director, Auckland Policy Office, New Zealand Government
"Across the world we're seeing an explosion of interest in social and public innovation labs, in all shapes and sizes. Running them well is much more a craft than a science, which is why it's so good to see serious practitioners here sharing experience and ideas, so as to help others achieve more hits and fewer misses." -Geoff Mulgan, Chief Executive, Nesta, UK
"Social Labs are an important frontier in global efforts to make progress on complex social, political, economic, and environmental challenges. As such they are the subject of much trial, error, confusion, and learning. This book makes a valuable contribution to this exciting new field." -Adam Kahane, Chairman, Reos North America and author of 'Solving Though Problems'
"Changemakers of the world unite...and buy this book! Labcraft brings engaging stories and thoughtful insights from the front lines of social change. Drawing on experiences of pioneering labs in Europe, North America, Asia and Latin America, this book empowers social innovators to fix their aspirations on systems changing solutions to tough societal challenges." -Tim Draimin, Executive Director, Social Innovation Generation (SiG), Canada
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