Social Innovation and Tech Transfer Go Hand in Hand

Serenity Wright, Ed.D.
Associate Director, Social Innovation
University of Kentucky

Social Innovation is rapidly emerging within the US as a field of recognized interest. It is important to note that Social Innovation for knowledge transfer is not new. Some areas have a proven track record of success in social innovation. But most are just starting in this area specifically related to social innovation within tech transfer.

For many places across the United States and several other areas, intentional, systematic support at institutions and within organizations is new. In 2022 AUTM launched the Special Interest Group (SIG) Social Innovation to support social change within the tech transfer community.

This SIG is about the ecosystem surrounding innovations for sustained social impact, social justice, and the common good. This is a community of practice to intentionally support tech transfer within all areas of our campuses and Social Science, Humanities and Arts for People, and the Economy (SHAPE coined by Julia Black) colleges. This SIG allows for mentorship, guidance, and the sharing of best practices to allow the field to create an ecosystem of support. As we work to grow awareness and engagement of Social Innovation, specifically for tech transfer and the commercialization of innovations, there must be a group to generate empowerment and enhance initiatives.

There are several conversation areas as we look to increase the concept of social innovation in tech transfer. The primary point of conversation is grounded in standardization. The biggest issue to address is no accepted standard definition of Social Innovation exists. As a result, other perceived issues (such as standardizing metrics, standard processes for commercialization, addressing measurements for return on investment, etc.) cannot be established. As a SIG, we will continue to support appropriate steps in formalizing initiatives. However, we must do this while remembering that, at their core, social innovations are about disrupting systems.

Social innovation will lead the way as we look toward building people-centered and future-focused communities that allow for and encourage self-sufficiency for all through enhanced economic development and impact. We look forward to continuing discussions at the AUTM 2023 meetings through sessions specifically related to tips and tricks and while networking and spending time together as a professional community.

To learn more about the topic, we encourage you to review John Fraser and Randy Fisher’s recently published article regarding the specific role that tech transfer offices play in enhancing social entrepreneurship. There will be a webinar discussion about the article and additional lessons learned on October 21^st at 11:30 a.m. EST. You can find the zoom link and article for the webinar on the SI SIG egroup discussion board. If you are not already a part of the SIG or AUTM, I encourage you to join this community of practice. I am always open to a conversation if you have any questions regarding the SIG or social innovation.

I look forward to growing this community of practice and continuing to amplify the need for support of social innovations.