Trust present at major Social Innovation event
Building Change Trust Administrator Nigel McKinney recently spoke at a major event in Belfast on the potential impact of innovation in Northern Ireland.
The event was hosted by Nesta - an independent charity with a mission to help people and organisations bring great ideas to life; by providing investments and grants and mobilising research, networks and skills.
Nesta’s recent transition to charitable status provided them with a perfect opportunity to share their plans for the future, showcase the work they are already doing in Northern Ireland and hear views on how they might do more to promote innovation here.
Video and pictures of the event can be accessed by clicking here.
The event was an excellent opportunity for attendees to hear about a number of topics including social innovation, which is a major area of the Trust’s work.
Nigel McKinney, speaking at the event, outlined the Trust’s vision and plans for social innovation in Northern Ireland.
He said: “There is much discussion about the future of the community and voluntary sector and its role in contracting with government for service delivery and the importance of social enterprise.
“But less discussion and development of ideas around social innovation – new ideas that meet unmet needs and change relationships – and for example in the sector not much work has been done to stimulate creativity, encourage approaches like prototyping.
“The Trust was keen to work with others – as a cross pollination of ideas and a mix of actors would be necessary to make a significant and lasting contribution”.
Adding: “We are seeking to make a contribution to growing social innovation in Northern Ireland and are dedicated to investing up to £1 million in this area, but are hoping to lever resources of up to £5 million”.
Also speaking at the event was Glen Mehn from SI Camp, who are working closely with the Trust to deliver their innovative approach to social innovation in Northern Ireland.
SI Camp have already held a number of workshops and seminars in Northern Ireland, and will be delivering the rest of their programme over the next 6 to 9 months.
Sucessful SI Camps have been held in London and Scotland.