Building on the positive buzz of social innovation in the U.S.

From mobile cash transfers, to rolling water containers and corn husk power systems this semester we have learned about the endless possibilities for improvement through innovation. We mostly focused on the impact social innovations introduced in developing countries though I believe developed countries will increasingly desire more sustainable, efficient ways of living as well.

In the United States especially, the social innovation buzz is hitting the public at the ideal time. Much of the groundwork has already been laid, many inspiring success stories exist, and there is a critical mass of support (not the least of whom is President Obama). This timing coincides perfectly with the recession. I am not attempting to say that the recession has been positive, but this is a silver lining. Americans mindsets about how they consume are changing and this change will positively impact how we embrace the social innovation movement.

Americans are the biggest consumers in the world and have been so in the past in complete blissful ignorance. We throw away huge amounts of food, use exorbitant amounts of energy, and pollute with unnecessarily large vehicles. However, more and more we are looking to downsize; buying generic brand goods and driving more fuel efficient vehicles. Americans are ready to embrace innovations that are more efficient, effective, and sustainable.

We need to build on this positive momentum and work to win the support of the resistors. We need keep social innovation from becoming politicized. We need to increase awareness, by offering more courses at universities and more opportunities that promote innovation. By opening the minds of future leaders to the impact that social innovations can have on society the more the bandwagon effect will take hold. We need to take it upon ourselves to answer the tough questions like how the government can facilitate the growth of social innovating and how can we take aspects futuristic cities like Masdar, and apply them to improvements in our cities.