Design for Social Innovation: Community-Centred Knowledge Exchange

Through a co-design process, involving academics, citizens, thirds sector groups, local councils and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) the current project evaluates barriers and opportunities for innovation in local communities, particularly in relation to building social capital and improving health and wellbeing. Designers contribute to this process through direct creative input, but also by facilitating the co-design process, enabling all stakeholders to collaborate to encourage innovative solutions. The knowledge and experience of the academics, public sector workers and SMEs provides a valuable resource which is available to local communities considering the development of social enterprises and community asset transfer projects.