Social Innovation for Real-World Transformation: Roadmaps for Changing the World

by Julie Chateauvert, Philippe Dufort, Jonathan Durand Folco, Christopher Gunter, Krys Maki

Overview

Available open access digitally under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.

In an era where ‘social innovation’ is often used as a buzzword, this book challenges readers to rethink its true potential for addressing the systemic roots of our most pressing social and environmental crises.

The authors present a practical and visionary approach to social innovation and provide a comprehensive set of tools and strategies for transformative change, rooted in a critical and emancipatory perspective. By balancing rigorous theoretical insights with actionable strategies, the book empowers and inspires readers in their efforts to confront social and environmental injustices and build the skills needed to drive meaningful and effective social change.

This is a call to action for anyone seeking to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what is possible in creating a just and sustainable world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781447374732
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Publication date:	07/29/2025
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	212
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Julie Chateauvert is Associate Professor in the School of Social Innovation at Saint Paul University, Canada.

Philippe Dufort is Adjunct Professor in the School of Social Innovation at Saint Paul University, Canada.

Jonathan Durand Folco is Associate Professor in the School of Social Innovation at Saint Paul University, Canada.

Christopher Gunter is Assistant Professor in the School of Social Innovation at Saint Paul University, Canada.

Krys Maki is Assistant Professor in the School of Social Innovation at Saint Paul University, Canada.

Anahi Morales Hudon is Senior Policy Analyst at the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Jamel Stambouli is Associate Professor in the School of Social Innovation at Saint Paul University, Canada.

Julie Paquette is Associate Professor in the School of Social Innovation at Saint Paul University, Canada.

Simon Tremblay-Pepin is Associate Professor in the School of Social Innovation at Saint Paul University, Canada.

Philippe Néméh-Nombré is Assistant Professor in the School of Social Innovation at Saint Paul University, Canada.

Amanda Wilson is Associate Professor in the School of Social Innovation at Saint Paul University, Canada.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Introduction: Learning to Change the World

1. Innovation Beyond Buzzwords

2. The Battlefield of Social Innovation: Strategic Challenges and Paradoxes

3. Understanding the World to Change It

4. The past as Possibilities

5. Centering Intersectionality and Equity

6. Acting Collectively

7. Driving Change

8. Transforming the Economy

9. Doing Business Differently

10. Organizing Democratically

11. Community Involvement

12. Culture as Resistance

13. Where Do We Stand? Unsettling the Neoliberal UniversityThrough Engaged Pedagogy

Conclusion: Changing the Scale

Editorial Reviews

This powerful book stakes out bold pathways to better futures, rooted deeply in liberatory forms of social innovation.” Aric McBay, author of Full Spectrum Resistance and Movements that Win

From the Publisher