Collaboration for Social Innovation: Developing Social Learning Spaces in the UK Higher Education.

Abstract

This paper concerns initial work on social innovation that investigates the role of collaboration as a catalyst for change applied in the context of social learning spaces in the United Kingdom‟ higher education. From a policy viewpoint the paper addresses the issue of social technologies as a means of social practice. Secondly, it focuses on the impact a whole system change process can have upon university students and staff in establishing social learning spaces. Thirdly, it tackles leadership and how this can be effectively utilised within the field under consideration. Reference to specific cases of British Universities regarding use of social learning spaces is made and emphasis is given on the role of collaboration in pursuing innovative ideas. Semi-structured interviews and collection of secondary data are the research methods used. Finally, suggestions on how social learning spaces could be further improved are highlighted.