Table 5 Elements supporting institutionalisation of social innovation within universities and nationally
Element | Description | Rationale | Practical application |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Core hub team | A hub lead, a project manager & a project coordinator | To implement activities, build momentum and achieve sustainability. | Each hub has its own multi-disciplinary core team of a minimum of 2 full-time and 1-part time staff (Lead) |
2. Strategic & Operational plan | A vision, strategic objectives and 3-year implementation plan designed to be in line with country and university priorities. | To identify key gaps and opportunities within the local health system and within the university where the hub can make a contribution, as well as to identify opportunities for partnerships and funding. | In the Malawi Hub, the hub narrowed its focus to be in line with the national priority on achieving accessible, quality primary health care in support of universal health coverage. In the Uganda Hub, a strategic advisory board has been established to guide and support the hub in achieving its strategic objectives. |
3. Partnerships | Cross-university or cross-faculty partnerships Partnerships national organisations, leaders and champions. | To achieve institutionalisation of the social innovation approach, beyond the life span of the hub, within other departments, disciplines and organisations. | In the Philippines Hub, a partnership was established with the national health research agency resulting in a national award for social innovation. The Hub has further promoted social innovation at the level of the Chancellor, resulting in a university-wide identification of social innovations in health. |
4. Leveraging resources | Funding, technical support or time can be leveraged from other partners/ local organisations to co-implement activities and extend impact | To supplement the initial grant funding awarded to each institution and to lower its dependence on a single funding source. | The Philippines Hub have gained additional research grant funding or as contracted consultants. The Malawi hub is leveraging academic faculty to support student research in social innovation. |