Article type
Abstract
Background:
The Innovation Zones are a long-term, 7-year community and university partnership between Queen’s University Belfast and 2 local communities facing inequality in West Belfast, Northern Ireland. The mission of the Innovation Zones is to drive community innovation in the form of evidence-based community programs and practices that have considered not only what works for improving outcomes but also whom it works for and whether it is being implemented appropriately with communities with significant untapped potential but facing many challenges. Together, these community and university Innovation Zones are releasing community assets through innovations that improve outcomes for children, young people, families, and the community. Generally, there is a shared focus on improving social, economic, educational, health, and well-being outcomes.
Methods:
The presentation will describe the theoretical basis of the Innovation Zones, which draws on theory and research in the areas of psychology, public health, management, and philosophy. It will also provide examples of findings from some of the research conducted within the Innovation Zones on the design, implementation, and evaluation of coproduced community innovation and research projects. This will include the following: 1. Conversations: an innovative method for conducting and analyzing conversations with children and young people about "the story they want their life to be" to inform development of community supports and service provision; 2. Crescendo: a codesigned, implemented, and evaluated music education and social and emotional learning program for primary schools supported by a national orchestra; and 3. The Common Health Assets: a realist evaluation of the health and well-being benefits of community-led organizations.
Conclusions:
The conclusions will discuss the benefits of working in community and university partnerships like the Innovation Zones, including the following: promoting evidence-based practice, theory, and research; informing better civic decision making; stimulating enterprise, creativity, and civic development; driving collaboration and peace; supporting scaling of community innovation; and encouraging transdisciplinary engagement between academics across disciplines, communities, and public and private sectors.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/social-charter/equality/zones/
The Innovation Zones are a long-term, 7-year community and university partnership between Queen’s University Belfast and 2 local communities facing inequality in West Belfast, Northern Ireland. The mission of the Innovation Zones is to drive community innovation in the form of evidence-based community programs and practices that have considered not only what works for improving outcomes but also whom it works for and whether it is being implemented appropriately with communities with significant untapped potential but facing many challenges. Together, these community and university Innovation Zones are releasing community assets through innovations that improve outcomes for children, young people, families, and the community. Generally, there is a shared focus on improving social, economic, educational, health, and well-being outcomes.
Methods:
The presentation will describe the theoretical basis of the Innovation Zones, which draws on theory and research in the areas of psychology, public health, management, and philosophy. It will also provide examples of findings from some of the research conducted within the Innovation Zones on the design, implementation, and evaluation of coproduced community innovation and research projects. This will include the following: 1. Conversations: an innovative method for conducting and analyzing conversations with children and young people about "the story they want their life to be" to inform development of community supports and service provision; 2. Crescendo: a codesigned, implemented, and evaluated music education and social and emotional learning program for primary schools supported by a national orchestra; and 3. The Common Health Assets: a realist evaluation of the health and well-being benefits of community-led organizations.
Conclusions:
The conclusions will discuss the benefits of working in community and university partnerships like the Innovation Zones, including the following: promoting evidence-based practice, theory, and research; informing better civic decision making; stimulating enterprise, creativity, and civic development; driving collaboration and peace; supporting scaling of community innovation; and encouraging transdisciplinary engagement between academics across disciplines, communities, and public and private sectors.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/social-charter/equality/zones/