Call for papers – Social Inovation + Change Initiative

Rethinking Cross-Sector Social Innovation

The Social Innovation and Change Initiative (SICI) will host its inaugural research conference Rethinking Cross-Sector Social Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School, April 6-7, 2018. The aim of the conference is to reignite scholarly interest in the phenomenon of cross-sector work and build knowledge to inform decision making and policy. We are currently seeking abstract submissions that demonstrate how research on cross-sector work can both be scientifically rigorous and also provide contributions to practice. Areas of inquiry may include:

  • Enabling conditions for cross-sector work
  • Processes and structures underlying cross-sector work
  • Development of novel organizational forms to address social problems that transcend sectors
  • Performance and impact of cross-sector work
  • Role of policy making and struggles of implementing reforms at state and global-level
  • Other elements of cross-sector social innovation, more
    generally

We encourage methodological and theoretical diversity, including quantitative and qualitative studies, as well as studies that take a multi-level approach connecting organizational processes with the broader institutional environment.

Deadlines
Abstract submission (approximately 500 words): November 1, 2017
Notification of acceptance: January 15, 2018
Submission of full paper: March 15, 2018
Send questions, comments, and submissions to sici@hks.harvard.edu.

Conference Organizers
Julie Battilana, Johanna Mair, Chris Marquis, and Christian Seelos
SICI Academic Leadership Team

About the
Social Innovation and Change Initiative

Launched in 2016, the Social Innovation and Change Initiative (SICI) is located within the Harvard Kennedy School, where the public, not-for-profit, for-profit and social enterprise sectors intersect in the pursuit of public good. Building on this cross-sector approach to social change, SICI’s mission is to develop research, pedagogical content, and educational programs that help social innovators navigate the challenges of initiating and implementing social change. Please visit our website for additional information.