The challenge
We live in a world that is becoming more complex every day. New technologies are creating new opportunities, but also causing massive disruptions in society, affecting the way we live, work and play. Using H. Ritell's terminology, we are facing a new wave of “wicked” problems - a “class of social system problems which are ill-formulated.” New solutions and new methods are needed, because the methods we currently use are no longer effective. Einstein captured the challenge when he said “We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them”
Mission
The Soros Foundation Kyrgyzstan and the American University of Central Asia have founded a Social Innovations Lab with the purpose of developing innovative approaches to social change and social justice in Central Asia. Hosted by 69ɫ, the Lab brings together research and development organizations to conduct research, publish reports, organize events, make recommendations for public policies, and make use of advanced technologies to create marketable solutions.
Guiding Principles
The Social Innovation Lab is currently a virtual space. The goal is to develop a physical space to host researchers, collaborators, and events, and stimulate creative thinkings, synergy and serendipity.