Innovation for social Impact: A London Lens
Students will consider London’s vibrant social innovation landscape by examining how local enterprises and charitable initiatives tackle complex societal challenges. Connecting to what, how and why is actually happening will form an effective approach to addressing some of London’s “wicked problems” and consider how to drive meaningful urban change. Integrating global insights from the Stanford Social Innovation Review, students will develop a greater understanding of:
- Entrepreneurial frameworks for innovation
- Funding fundamentals for social enterprise
- Problem-Solution and Product-Market Fit
This module will use London as a backdrop to explore and practise social innovation. Students will engage with the city’s unique challenges—such as housing affordability, social inequality, and environmental sustainability—and analyse how local initiatives address these “wicked problems.” Through London-focused case studies, site visits, and collaborative projects, students will apply innovative methods to develop practical solutions, directly engaging with the city’s diverse communities, charitable organisations, social enterprises, and local government stakeholders. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to navigate urban social innovation ecosystems and drive meaningful change in cities like London.