Convening Innovation Networks:
Connecting researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders

Building networks connecting researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders can support the emergence of innovation ecosystems that advance human flourishing.

Recent research indicates that many innovation ecosystems fail to emerge because potential participants are not sufficiently connected with each other. Researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders are often organizationally and physically siloed from each other, and university campuses are often siloed from their communities. Strategic programming allows for the development of professional networks and connections across different roles in knowledge and policy ecosystems, enhancing the capacity of scholars and institutions.

The Social Science Research Council has extensive experience designing events and programs that bridge silos and build innovation networks connecting researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders, fostering productive new collaborations that link knowledge to practice. In our innovation network projects we are supported by an efficient and responsive administrative infrastructure that excels at event planning and execution, outreach, marketing and communications, award administration, and outcome reporting.