ABSTRACT
This chapter examines some of the powerful ways in which open innovation and crowdsourcing are applied to solving environmental, social, and economic sustainability challenges. Businesses, governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and academic institutions are tapping into the collective intelligence of the ‘crowd’ to develop innovative technological and social solutions for ecological and social justice problems. The content and exercises in this chapter will:
Explore crowdsourcing and the different ways it is applied.
Describe the rationale for open innovation and crowdsourcing as an important approach to innovation in general and for sustainability and social innovation challenges in particular.
Analyse examples of crowdsourcing applied to finding innovative solutions that advance sustainable and socially just businesses, economies, and lifestyles.
Share insights and learning from personal experience participating in a crowdsourcing challenge.
Discuss the implications of open innovation and crowdsourcing for leadership.
