Additional Information
Social innovation in: Canada
Social innovation in: Australia
Social innovation in: The Netherlands
Article: A New Mindset
Think Globally, Innovate locally The people, organisations and projects that are using the principles of Social Innovation to physically shape communities around the world.
In a nation that has been innovating socially since long before the term was coined, the most innovative solutions can come from the streets.
In 2007 The Hague introduced competition among street cleaning services. Fearing a less than favourable position in the new market, existing teams developed a new strategy. Instead of cleaning by a fixed schedule, they would adhere to a defined quality standard, negotiated with residents, and assessed regularly by the teams themselves. As a result, the streets are cleaner, residents are happy, and cleaning crews have a renewed pride in the way they determine their civic environment.
Read more about Social Innovation in The Netherlands.