Report Back from UK Study Tour: Social Innovation & Social Finance
August, 2009
In March 2009, a Canadian delegation of federal and provincial government officials and non-profit sector leaders visited London, England, to gain information, insights and real-life examples of how innovative approaches to dealing with intractable problems are being conceived and financed in the UK. The UK Study Tour arrived on the heels of the Skoll World Forum.
Over the last several years, the United Kingdom has vigorously experimented with new models of prompting corporations, industry and professional associations and non-profit groups to more creatively and productively support the good work being done in their communities. This is being done in ways that support the community non-profit sector's sustainability and resilience, enabling it to exploit opportunities for its growth and independent, financial well-being. UK policies and programs have expanded its social finance sector that is providing capital to a broad array of social enterprises and social purposes businesses applying social innovation principles to problem solving.
The Study Tour was organized and led by Social Innovation Generation (SiG) and one of its projects, Causeway.
