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Innovation and digital
Innovation is a broad term that’s hard to define. Some associate it with the creation of new, big technology, radically creative ideas or digital solutions. But the reality is that innovation is a spectrum. At its simplest it’s about exploring different ways to make positive changes.
We know some leaders are excited by innovation and have successfully created the culture and conditions for it to flourish. We also know others feel daunted by the concept, unsure of where to start and worried they’re not creative enough to lead innovation in their organisation.
Sport England defines innovation as:
“Applying a creative mindset, generating ideas and experimenting to make positive changes that improve people's experiences of physical activity. It is an approach that puts people’s needs at the heart, continually learning and adapting to remove the real-life barriers they are facing”
We can all be innovative, but the fear of failure and change often stops us. If we keep doing things the same way we’ve always done them, we’ll just stand still.
Embracing innovation and tackling inequalities go hand in hand. Leaders have an exciting opportunity to encourage and support their teams to embed good innovation practice, generate new ideas and ignite a spark in others to do the same.
By being curious, listening, innovating and learning, all leaders can play a part in breaking down the barriers that prevent people from accessing opportunities to be active.
Coming soon
We’re busy developing this section, alongside existing leaders and specialists, to help you wherever you are in your innovation journey. Once complete, it’ll:
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Help to demystify and explore the benefits of innovation.
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Consider the role of data and technology (digital) in tackling inequalities.
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Share some tips to help leaders create the culture and conditions for innovation to thrive.
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Highlight the leadership traits, mindsets and behaviours that support innovation.
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Explore some tried and tested tools and innovation and digital best practices.
We’ll continue to develop this section over time and use it to share examples of innovation in practice and trusted learning and resources on topics like digital inclusion, youth voice, intersectionality and co-design. If you’d like to be part of its development, or have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you - leadingthemovement@sportengland.org.
Further resources
The best way to bring innovation practice to your work is to just give it a go! We’ve got a few great resources linked below that can help you get started.
Leadership isn’t just about making decisions, it’s about being able to adapt, innovate, embrace change and learn from what works and what doesn’t.
Creating the culture and conditions to spark new ideas and enable innovation can help your organisation and its networks to thrive and rise to the challenge of tackling inequalities.