The Future is Collective Case Studies of Collective Social Innovation 2025

These case studies have been developed with the aim of addressing some key barriers to collective action: –First, collective social innovation approaches are not as readily understood as programmatic or organizational innovation. Some of the key aspects of the work may be overlooked by prospective partners, funders and policy-makers. These case studies dive deeply into the detail of each initiative, with the hope that the work will be better clarified and understood by potential stakeholders. –Second, collective social innovation requires new skills and mindsets, as well as new ways of measuring impact. Collective social innovators display a significant emphasis on building connections and facilitating shared narratives across groups. By bridging groups across disciplines and geographies, these innovators are able to share knowledge widely about what is working while elevating promising practices. They are also able to assemble data that supports effective policies and financing. This type of work is different from promoting a single organizational model and requires a shift from proprietary ownership models to sharing models. It also requires standing back from the limelight and elevating the work of others. While these skills and mindsets are beneficial for systems change, they can make it harder to quantify and attribute impact. –Third, collective social innovation requires different types of engagement from stakeholders. Collective social innovators are committed to a collective outcome, rather than a specific programme or organization. In nearly all cases, initiatives have modified their strategies significantly over time, matching their approaches to the shifting landscape and new opportunities. They are constantly in learning mode, seeking to continuously improve rather than stick to rigid plans. Supportive stakeholders, therefore, should bring a level of flexibility and openness, with a commitment to learning alongside these innovators. Key themes in this case study collection In this collection, readers will find a number of key learnings that have helped the Schwab Foundation understand the work of collective social innovation. These themes include: –Collective social innovators construct collective architectures to mobilize vast constituencies: The case studies show how each collective is composed of a collective architecture that enables the representation and participation of hundreds of thousands – and in some cases millions – of people. In most instances, there are three distinct layers: the action layer (groups which carry out grassroots activities by enabling the participation of constituents), the network layer (the connective tissue which links these groups to each other over geographies), and the supporting layer (the administrative team which supports the work over time). –Collective social innovators develop collective pathways that keep groups working and learning together: The case studies also show the collective pathways that these innovators develop to ensure a common vision, principles, methods and practices for groups to work together. These pathways provide a means for groups to journey together, seeing their work as part of a coordinated rather than isolated effort. –Collective social innovators conduct collective activities that ensure alignment and momentum for change: The case studies provides detailed examples of a range of collective activities that initiatives conduct to align groups and keep them motivated to carry out their work. These activities are also designed to grow broader ecosystems that pave the way for more collective action, including supportive policies and financing. They are grouped into five activity areas: 1) movement building, 2) strengthening data systems, 3) influencing institutions, 4) hosting learning communities and 5) investing in systemic solutions. –Collective social innovators establish supportive infrastructure that sustains collective action: Finally, the case studies describe the administrative aspects of the work, including governance and participation, team culture and competencies, and enabling technology. While this work is conducted “behind the scenes”, it is critical to ensuring that collective action can be maintained even as the landscape is shifting and changing. The future is collective In a rapidly evolving world, championing collective action has never been more crucial. The social challenges humanity faces today – including climate change, conflict proliferation, global pandemics, racial inequities and economic inequality – cannot be solved within narrow geographic boundaries or specific sectors and industries. At the same time, the rapid rise of new technologies offers promise for greater collaboration as well as the potential for greater division. The Schwab Foundation invites you to learn alongside these initiatives and consider how you might use these lessons to support collective action in your area of interest. Humanity’s most unique skill is developing new ways to collaborate across ever larger groups; the time to harness this talent to its full potential is now. The Future is Collective: Case Studies of Collective Social Innovation 4