Social Innovation Research Institute
Where technology meets humanity to co-create solutions for complex social challenges.
The Social Innovation Research Institute’s vision is to lead social innovation in the digital economy by creating solutions to complex social problems using co-design, new technologies and data analytics techniques. We aim to address the intersection between social challenges and the potential of technology, striving for greater social equity.
Our objectives:
- advance thought leadership by applying social science for innovation
- drive innovative social practice through new methods, data and networks
- catalyse a community of innovators dedicated to social good
- generate evidence and insights that address social problems as they are experienced, with partners across diverse sectors.
Our people
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Report on everyday humanitarianism during the 2019/2020 Australian bushfire crisis
In partnership with the Australian Red Cross, we’ve published a report on community-led humanitarian activities and initiatives undertaken in response to the recent Australian bushfire crisis.
Work with us
Whether you’re a community, government or corporate organisation, we want to work with you to drive innovative practice and help solve your complex problems! We have a great team of researchers across a variety of disciplines who can work across projects of all sizes. Get your project started by following these steps:
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Talk
Step 1
Let us know the challenges you’re facing, your ideas or your questions and we’ll work out how to align our research expertise. Call us on +61 3 9214 8180 or email sii@swinburne.edu.au.
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Co-design
Step 2
We get together for a co-design workshop, to brainstorm ideas and solutions.
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Funding
Step 3
If the project needs funding, there are various opportunities we can tap into, including applying for external grant funding.
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Take off
Step 4
We’ll work with you to design a full pilot project that includes appropriate ethical approval and evidence summaries.
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Society 4.0
Our Society 4.0 initiative includes a yearly forum to explore positive changes for society in an increasingly digital and connected world.
Our latest news
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- Health
Using storytelling to reduce ageism in the community
A Swinburne-led project is using digital storytelling to prevent ageism, which can lead to elder abuse.Monday 24 February 2020 -
- University
Bushfire research at Swinburne
Research is underway to improve bushfire preparedness, response and recovery, and find innovative solutions to issues affecting communities across the countThursday 06 February 2020 -
- Social Affairs
Four-day working week movement gathers momentum
A shorter working week continues to gain favour says Alice Martin from the New Economics Foundation think tank, ahead of a public lecture at Swinburne.Monday 14 October 2019 -
- Social Affairs
Analysis & Policy Observatory appoints new Director
Dr Brigid van Wanrooy has been appointed Director of Analysis & Policy Observatory, hosted at Swinburne.Thursday 08 August 2019 -
- Social Affairs
Promoting humanitarian action in a digital world
A Swinburne and Red Cross collaboration is shedding new light on the forms and drivers of humanitarian behaviour.Wednesday 31 July 2019
Find more news articles about the Social Innovation Research Institute.
Upcoming events
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Research
- Innovation
- Technology
- Industry 4.0
- Business
Adoption of Industry 4.0 in SMEs – A Panel Discussion
The Centre for Transformative Innovation, Factory of the Future, Advanced Manufacturing Industry 4.0 Hub and The Social Innovation Research Institute invite you to a panel discussion which will examine the experiences of Small to Medium Enterprise’s (SME) adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies.
Read more (Adoption of Industry 4.0 in SMEs – A Panel Discussion) -
Research
- Innovation
- Arts and Humanities
- Media and Communications
Trends & Innovation in Sport Fan Consumption
In the final of our 2020 Sport Fan Series we look at trends and innovation in Sport Fan Consumption focussing on industry developments, and how trends observed in the last few years might now be accelerated in the post-COVID recovery time.
Register now (Trends & Innovation in Sport Fan Consumption) -
Research
- Arts and Humanities
Social Implications of the Fight Against COVID-19
This webinar will discuss some of the social challenges brought about by the current pandemic and offer perspectives from a range of disciplines, including social psychology, law, and media.
Find out more (Social Implications of the Fight Against COVID-19)
Discover our other research institutes
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Contact the Social Innovation Research Institute
If your organisation would like to collaborate with us to solve a complex problem, or you simply want to contact our team, get in touch by calling +61 3 9214 8180 or emailing sii@swinburne.edu.au.