Impact innovation towards systems change
We work with people and organisations who are intentional about creating change. Those interested in regenerative economic practices and concepts, systems change and net positive outcomes for people, place and planet.
People and organisations who acknowledge the complexity of our challenges and opportunities and want to work towards transformational policy and programs. Those who know there is no alternative but to transition to new economies.
We bring together diverse skillsets from academia and industry for applied research and insights.
Engaged research, experimentation and sensemaking
We concentrate our research, design, development and demonstration work around systems capital and civic innovation. We see these as two of the 'infrastructures' we need to strengthen and innovate for transitions to better futures.
As an entry point to much of our work, we approach via three 'lenses': Anchor principles and initiatives; quality jobs; and circularity mindsets. Read more about our Challenge-Led approach.
Shaping Innovation Futures
In partnership with Menzies Foundation this project seeks to engage influencers and innovators across Australia and invite them to reimagine their individual and collective roles in shaping regenerative and equitable futures. It seeks to uncover the conditions we need to create to enable the innovation infrastracture for better futures.
Design Foundations for Systems Capital
A provocation and exploration of how capital allocation could be better attuned to the interconnected nature of the world around us, and the systems which determine our quality
of life and sustain all living things. We examine what it might look like to design an investment approach with the primary purpose of fostering systems innovation and transformation.
Localising Supply Chains (City of Newcastle 2022)
We worked with Ethical Fields (project lead) and ArcBlue to develop a framework for understanding localisation, sustainability and resilience in the context of supply chains. Through analysis of procurement ‘leakages’ and industry opportunities we developed a set of transition strategies to support implementation of an Impact Supply Chains Challenge for Newcastle using a Challenge-led Innovation approach.
Learning and Design Partnerships
In these partnerships we often act as a critical friend. A critical friend may ask provocative questions, suggest alternative lenses with which to view your work, always aiming to help you move towards your intended outcomes. This is a bespoke relationship we undertake at varying scopes and scales.
Brisbane Zero Learning framework
The Brisbane and Logan Zero initiatives are community-wide collaborative efforts to break the cycle of homelessness for families, young people and adults. The Griffith Centre for Systems Innovation is engaged to understand and evaluate how the two initiatives learn, adapt and create changes in systems through collaboration.
Review of The Southern Initiative
In 2020 we undertook a review of the strengths and opportunities of the work and approach of The Southern Initiative in South and West Auckland, exploring themes of place-based innovation, people-centred practice and systems transformation.
Substation 33 Outcomes Framework and Impact Report
Our team were engaged to examine the background and context of Substation33’s work and then develop an outcomes framework for that would help track and hone the mission and deepen opportunities for creating employment pathways.
Business Development + Marketing Plan
Following completion of an Evaluation Report in 2019, we were engaged in 2020 by Micah Projects to develop a Business Development & Marketing Plan for their two social enterprise cafes. Having a prior relationship meant we were able to get 'under the hood' in making recommendations around how to strengthen both the commercial and impact dimensions of the business model and identify potential trajectories for expansion.
Small Giants Academy
For the SGA Mastery of Business Empathy we took on the role of Learning Design Critical Friend. We reviewed the course to ensure opportunities for transformational learning were embeded, and supported the team in their reflective learning.
Capability Building
One of our key aims is for more people to be equipped to lead and/or engage with the regenerative economy and impact innovation in all parts of society. In addition to our other work and credit courses we often do this through partnerships with like-minded organisations.
Brisbane South PHN
Our team are working alongside communities in the Southern Moreton Bay islands to co-create innovative solutions to local health provision where community voices are prioritised.
Public Service Commission
We have developed a bespoke, context-specific masterclass series for the Queensland Public Service Commission that fits in with their Professional Development program. Using a Challenge-Led Innovation framework, the workshops explore how government could lead directional, cross-sector innovation to address some of our greatest challenges across the state.
Community Power Agency
An example of our Network-based-learning offering, we are collaborating with Community Power Agency to offer industry-specific digital badge accreditation for the renewable energy sector.
New Economy Network Australia
In partnership with NENA we co-developed and co-hosted a digital badge short course for the NENA network and other interested community members introducing the theory and practice of building wellbeing economic systems that support people, place and planet.
Homebase
In 2021 Griffith University and City of Logan partnered to bring Homebase to life. Our aim was to stimulate creativity and community connection in the Logan region. While the programing is complete the website remains with case studies and resources.
Convening Networks + Enabling Ecosystems
Acknowledging the important role networks and enabling ecosystems play in innovation and systems change, we work both at a broad policy and a practical level. That could look like helping to build connections and strengthening relationships between key parties. It could mean blurring the boundaries of what 'sector' means by thinking about who actually needs to be in the room to 'get impact done'. It could be taking an observational role to glean useful insights.
Social Enterprise National Strategy
In 2021 we led a process delivering a three-part report presenting the considerations, findings and recommendations developed for the Australian Social Enterprise National Strategy (SENS) project. We continue to work with others in the sector as the strategy is brought to life.
QSEC - Reset + Recovery Evaluation
Drawing on the existing Impact Map, in 2021 we reported on the program's effectiveness in contributing to regional economic development through social enterprise. The report includes three case studies showcasing some of the impacts.
Social Enterprise Strategy: Upper Hunter
We partnered with Ethical Fields in 2021 to deliver this project for the Department of Regional NSW. The report maps interest, opportunity, barriers and potential for the development and growth of a social enterprise sector as part of a broader plan for economic diversification and resilience building in the Upper Hunter region of NSW.
SESNA 2021 Insights Report
In 2021 some of our team worked with Impact North on a pro bono basis to play a listening role at the 2021 Social Enterprise Summit Northern Australia, to identify and compile emergent themes from the conference. The report is intended as the beginning of deeper conversations around recognising different knowledge systems and making our way towards more equitable systems.
QSEC - Case Study
The Griffith Centre for Systems Innovation team were engaged to develop a case study of the Rockhampton Upcycle Village, a social enterprise support and development initiative which emerged from Queensland Social Enterprise Council’s Reset & Recovery project in early-mid 2021.