Labcraft

The struggle to solve local and global issues often appears to pitch large corporations and governments against activists, artists, workers and ordinary citizens. But what happens when these entities consciously join forces and share resources to create social change? It's happening more than you might think--in a growing phenomenon known as social labs. And Labcraft offers an intimate picture of this new and evolving landscape--where seemingly disparate stakeholders network and align as learning communities who collaborate for positive change. Social innovation labs do what we expect laboratories to do--invent and experiment. But their "test tubes" are real-world challenges. And as they explore new connections, new ideas, and new initiatives, they often generate new perspectives and promising solutions. A lab's practices and methods are as important as its projects and outcomes--and this honest, reflective account provides insight into the flexible, joyful, and open-minded approach they're pioneering. A fittingly collaborative effort in itself, Labcraft was written in a four-day "Book Sprint" by representatives from seven innovation labs from around the world. These practitioners share their stories, experiences and perspectives, and consider their commonalities and differences. They offer humble observations about their struggles and successes, and detail how they navigate their unique dilemmas and paradoxes. From workspaces and funding to impact measurement and power dynamics, Labcraft explores what it takes to cultivate a nimble and responsive environment--and gives a face to the poignant potential of these creative new collaborations