Universities as Epicenters of Social Innovation and Economic Development

Universities have evolved to meet changing societal needs for centuries. The latest evolution of the university as a nucleus, catalyst, and executor for socio-economic development owes its genesis to emerging challenges in a globalized world and an increasingly resource-constrained environment. Under the broad umbrella of engagement and engaged scholarship, universities are returning to their roots- they are breaking down the silos and interacting with the real world to tackle real problems with practical and innovative solutions. This renewed sense of purpose and systemic integration of reality is positioning the university as an essential partner in the social innovation and sustainable development ecosystems. How exactly are universities rethinking their missions and operations to play a larger role in socio-economic development? What specific roles do they play to forge and support this new identity that relates their operations to larger societal needs? A review of 70 engagement and engaged scholarship programs from 40 universities across the United States suggests that there are five distinct roles universities play as epicenters of social innovation and economic development- Proactive Educator; Engaged Researcher; Connector; Facilitator; and Executor. This article discusses the context for the emergence of the university as a key player in the social innovation ecosystem and describes these five roles with the help of compelling examples. An understanding of the broader context of these specific roles can inform and inspire strategies for universities to further rethink and reconfigure the roles of their students, faculty, and staff to promote social innovation and economic development.