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Addressing complex social problems to increase our quality of life is at the heart of many ����ɫ�� research activities. However, the challenges of scaling solutions or the inability to identify their application to the community can limit these works to the academic realm.

Dr. Karen Benzies, PhD, RN, professor, Faculty of Nursing and adjunct research professor, Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, aims to create a culture of social innovation (SI) for faculties at the university. As an experienced social innovator and widely respected academic, entrepreneur, and educator, she is no stranger to the hurdles faced when transitioning research into real-world applications. As the newly appointed director, social innovation, Benzies will lead the social innovation initiative (SII).

The SII was developed to enable faculty to engage in social innovation by scaling existing academic experience, disciplines, and expertise to advance their efforts. Essentially, to lay the roadwork that activates the necessary avenues for creating social impact.

“Social innovation is like a roadway with many on- and off-ramps. The initiative enables SI activity within faculties to engage, interject, and get the necessary support to move forward,” says Benzies. “Our goal is to help move SI work forward in a meaningful way without barriers.”

The SII complements existing structures and processes by linking with SI-based activities, programs, support services, resources, and funding providers, including the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking, Innovate Calgary, Knowledge Engagement, the Office of Sustainability, Trico Foundation Social Entrepreneurship Centre, W21C, and the broader UCalgary community.

“There is fantastic research being done across many faculties that encompass social innovation,” says Dr. William Ghali, vice-president (research). “The SII will create valuable linkages for faculties to move this research forward in a useful and meaningful way for our community and society.”

What is social innovation, and are you working in this space?

Social innovation is defined as an idea generated through collaboration that renews existing structures and processes and has the potential to improve the quality of life. SII’s goal is to build capacity among academic social innovators to engage with community partners, develop rigorous evidence and proof of concept for high social quality, sustainable social innovation.

Next steps

The SII team is currently undertaking a concept analysis working with multiple faculties to refine the definition of SI to provide the foundation to measure success at UCalgary. Two new programs will launch to help fund and support SI-based projects, including partnership matching, interdisciplinary collaboration, and capacity building for some of ����ɫ�� most promising social innovators.

about the social innovation initiative.