Citizen-led Innovation for a New Economy

This collection of eleven cases from Canada and the United States gives expression to the ideal of a new economy based on fairness and environmental sustainability. Grappling with complex problems in their local communities, organized citizens are forging innovation, prying open cracks in the prevailing economic system and seizing opportunities to redirect economic life. Featured here are examples in urban and rural contexts and ethnically diverse settings — First Nations, Inuit, Latino, African American, predominantly white, and mixed communities — where citizens are challenging the short-term focus of political leadership and taking action now to pave the way for an economy that can sustain future generations. They illustrate a new way of working, tying economic justice to the creation of multiple types of environmental, economic and social assets or forms of wealth.
Situated at the meeting point of politics, economics, social activism and history, this pioneering book is rich in insights and examples that point the way to a more humane and democratic future. A must-read across many disciplines and boundaries. — Michael Edwards, Demos, New York

This important resource illustrates the power of collective impact; story after story, these cases provide an inspirational road map for innovative thought and action. — Marie Delorme, The Imagination Group, Calgary

This book provides inspiring and accessible insights into citizen-led innovations, valuable for academics, students, activists, policymakers and grantmakers. Thomas Piketty lays down the challenge of growing social inequality; Mathie and Gaventa and their contributors provide the vital building blocks for the emerging solutions economy.
— Tim Draimin, Social Innovation Generation (SiG), Toronto