Center for Social Innovation

Employment Power

Stanford Social Innovation Review: Winter 2011

How a private-public-academic partnership is helping people with serious mental illnesses find and keep jobs.

Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article

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Effective Partnerships

Stanford Social Innovation Review: Winter 2011

How local governments and nonprofits can work together for large-scale community change.

Research: Bring Polluters Back In

Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article

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Environment, Government

Stanford Social Innovation Review: Winter 2011

Environmental justice research may be asking the wrong questions. Researchers employ a novel statistical technique called “fuzzy set analysis,” which, in laymen’s terms, allows for the unexpected.

Business Guys’ Unexpected Fame: They Wrote the Tea Party ‘Bible’

Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article

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Global Issues, Government, Leadership

Two GSB alums who wrote about leaderless organizations find their ideas have resonated with groups ranging from the Tea Party to environmental organizations.

Resource: News Article

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Global Issues, Social Policy, Government

Research: House Divided

Stanford Social Innovation Review: Summer 2010

From warring political parties comes broad-based policymaking.

At Stanford, Al Gore Connects Climate Change Inaction to Political Dysfunction

Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article

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Environment, Government, Leadership

Speaking to a capacity crowd at Stanford's Memorial Auditorium, former Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore calls for passionate action to reverse "degraded" state of democracy.

Resource: News Article

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Streamlining An "Expensive Democracy"

Nigeria's reform-minded central banker discusses government waste, austerity, and growth.

Resource: News Article

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Economic Development, Government, Human Rights

The Tough Math Behind Humanitarian Aid

A new study finds that a different approach to food-relief efforts in the developing world could save more lives.

Resource: News Article

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Government, Social Entrepreneurship

The $86 Billion Fix

A group of scholars propose a plan that could put a brake on health care spending.

Resource: News Article

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Help for the Undecided

A Stanford GSB student's new company could make voting decisions more like online shopping.

Resource: News Article

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Public-Private Alliances Transform Aid

Stanford Social Innovation Review: Fall 2009

The dual goals of scalability and sustainability have eluded many development projects. In recent years, however, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has reached out to corporations, nonprofits, and even private citizens to build alliances that are making large-scale, long-term change. In this article, the former head of USAID describes the public-private partnership model that his agency forged, the successes that the model has won, and the struggles that it continues to face. —By Andrew S. Natsios

Government, Philanthropy, Responsible Investing

Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article

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The Ultimate Second Act

Stanford Social Innovation Review: Summer 2009

THE UNFINISHED PRESIDENCY by Douglas Brinkley Review by John Wood

Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article

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Reward Progress, Reduce Poverty

Stanford Social Innovation Review: Summer 2009

We must break the stereotype that low-income communities are unable to help themselves. —By Maurice Lim Miller

Arts, Culture, and Religion, Government

Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article

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Millennials MoveOn

Stanford Social Innovation Review: Spring 2009

To propel young folks to the polls, a political organization mixed Web 2.0 tools with social science savvy. —By Lee Bruno

Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article

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The Double Standard

Stanford Social Innovation Review: Spring 2009

UNCHARITABLE: How Restraints on Nonprofits Undermine Their Potential by Dan Pallotta Review by Renée Irvin

Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article

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Everything Old Is New Again, Apparently

The biggest idea in private-sector charity turns out to be slopping more effectively at the public trough.

Resource: Blog Post

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Arts, Culture, and Religion, Government

Arts Play Critical Community Role

The nonprofit arts industry is vital to our quality of life and prospects for economic growth.

Resource: Blog Post

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Government, Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy, Responsible Investing

Disagreeing with James Bond

Nonprofits and the taxation debate.

Resource: Blog Post

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Government, Philanthropy, Responsible Investing, Social Entrepreneurship

Children’s Crusades

Let’s keep holding the government accountable.

Resource: Blog Post

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Addressing the K-12 Crisis

Too Many Nonprofits

An unresponsive political system has spurred the need for nonprofits.

Resource: Blog Post

Video/Audio : All | Audio | Video

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Education, Government

How can the Unites States get its K-12 schools out of their current crisis? In this panel, experts from various fields who are passionate about improving our kids' lives and our nation's future discuss why things are failing, what's working to make them better, and what the best options are, from teacher education to integrating technology. They spoke at the Global Education Conference at Stanford.

Resource: Audio

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Changing Behavior and Changing Policies

The Veteran's Administration, Medicare, and Medicaid make up the largest repository of public health data in the world, and now it's being made available in appropriate forms for the use of patients and innovators alike. Todd Parks, CTO of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, wants to change the fee structure of healthcare from "Fee for Service" to something more efficient, and he's freeing up information on public health so everyone can see and help design better health systems.

Resource: Audio

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Environment, Government

EDF Future of Green Calls

Could it be that Defense takes the lead on climate change initiatives? An important DoD report cited climate change as a top national security concern. On this Future of Green Call, Daniel Kreeger explains how Defense is planning ways to avoid conflict over essential supplies such as clean water, resource consumption and keeping bases safe from predicted coastal flooding. Discussion also includes lessons learned from climate catastrophes and how to respond more quickly and efficiently to crisis.

Resource: Audio

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Environment, Government

Environmental Sustainability and Energy Policy

New Obama administration goals are making this an excellent time for professionals interested in environmental sustainability. So say senior government energy and technology officials in this panel discussion convened by the Stanford's Steyer-Taylor Center for Energy Policy and Finance. Pointing to the challenges ahead, they outline where the opportunities will lie for energy-focused entrepreneurs.

Resource: Audio

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Food Industry and Global Health

Why have American eating habits changed so drastically for the worse in the last half century? What is the appropriate role of government in mitigating these changes? Who can we hold responsible? In this audio lecture, author and former FDA Commissioner David Kessler discusses the marketing strategies of multinational food companies, the scientific realities behind these current trends, and what we might do to change them.

Resource: Audio

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Environment, Government, Leadership

Al Gore: Leaders Must Supply Vision, Values & Goals

The Stanford Graduate School of Business View from the Top Series hosted former Vice President Al Gore where he spoke to over 600 students on leadership, solutions for the climate crisis, and sustainable capitalism.

Resource: Video

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A Behavioral Science Perspective on Why People Vote

The investigation into what messaging motivates people to vote and the effectiveness of facilitating a voting plan during a presidential election.

Resource: Video

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Education, Government

Global Education Conference

Business and technological innovations are pushing education everywhere to the brink of great change. What is the potential for global education today?

Resource: Video

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Pharmaceutical Innovation

What can pharmaceutical companies do to contribute to global health?

Resource: Video

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Education, Government, Leadership

GSB Black Business Student Association Award Winner Jim Shelton

James H. Shelton of the Office of Innovation and Improvement at the U.S. Department of Education won the prestigious Tapesty Award for 2011.

Resource: Video

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Leadership in the Second Half of Life

Former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, James Joseph believes we must support those over 50 launching new careers later in life so they may continue to make significant contributions to society. In this audio lecture recorded at the Encore Career Summit, sponsored by the Center for Social Innovation at Stanford, Joseph reflects on what it takes to be a great leader in the second half of life. Using Nelson Mandela as a prototype, he reflects on how skills such as the ability to work with one's enemies are critical elements of the mature leader.

Resource: Audio

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Economic Development, Education, Government

Mexico Economic Challenges and Opportunities

Most Americans are unaware of the enormous progress Mexico has enjoyed since the peso's devastating collapse in 1994. Former Mexican President Vicente Fox highlights his country's opportunities to foster democracy, develop entrepreneurism, and promote alternative energy sources as it emerges as a world economic power. He addresses challenges, including a poor educational system, rapid population growth, and dwindling oil reserves. This audio lecture is sponsored by the Stanford Center for Social Innovation.

Resource: Audio

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Lifting Latin America Out of Poverty

Latin America may be poised to become a much bigger player on the world economic stage, yet 54 percent of its citizens would choose an autocratic regime over a democratically elected government if it meant more jobs. Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo reflects on the challenge of democratic development and consolidation in Latin America in this audio interview sponsored by the Stanford School of Education and moderated by Stanford sociology and political science professor, Larry Diamond.

Resource: Audio

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Government, Human Rights

Say What You Think, Then Take Action

San Francisco's young and charismatic mayor, Gavin Newsom, has suffered his share of punches for taking bold positions on controversial issues. In this Stanford Center for Social Innovation sponsored audio lecture, Newsom tells of the courage and persistence it takes to make real social change as a leader. He outlines progressive reforms in areas such as education, health care, and business, and reflects on the personal and professional price paid for supporting one particularly contentious issue: gay marriage.

Resource: Audio

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Fox Sees Bright Future for Mexico

Americans are mostly unaware of the enormous progress Mexico has enjoyed since a devastating collapse in the peso in 1994. Former Mexican President Vincente Fox highlights the opportunities, and also addresses the challenges, resulting from the collapse.

Resource: Video

Case Studies : All | Academic Cases

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Transparent Markets: Promoting Public Values Through Private Enterprise

Luis Moreno Ocampo, an attorney who had fought human rights abuses in Argentina, views corruption in public procurement as the next major human rights issue. He established a company to collect and distribute information on public procurements to make the entire process more transparent.

Resource: Academic Case

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Corporate Social Responsibility, Government

San Diego Padres: PETCO Park as a Catalyst for Urban Redevelopment

The San Diego Padres’ ballpark was the first integrated sports facility/development project ever attempted. While it proved to be a huge success for the Padres, San Diego, and taxpayers, there were many obstacles that had to be overcome.

Resource: Academic Case

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The Competitive Advantage of India

India’s services sector had demonstrated that the country possessed the capacity to improve its global standing significantly. The question was whether India would capitalize on its success by addressing obstacles to growth, or miss the opportunity to enter the modern world.

Resource: Academic Case

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Angola's Mislaid Billions

This case focuses on corruption in Angola surrounding oil production. It discusses the involvement of nongovernmental organizations, oil companies, and internal organizations, as well as the Angolan response.

Resource: Academic Case

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Transparent Markets: Promoting Public Values Through Private Enterprise

Luis Moreno Ocampo, an attorney who had fought human rights abuses in Argentina, views corruption in public procurement as the next major human rights issue. He established a company to collect and distribute information on public procurements to make the entire process more transparent.

Resource: Academic Case

Topic :

Corporate Social Responsibility, Government

San Diego Padres: PETCO Park as a Catalyst for Urban Redevelopment

The San Diego Padres’ ballpark was the first integrated sports facility/development project ever attempted. While it proved to be a huge success for the Padres, San Diego, and taxpayers, there were many obstacles that had to be overcome.

Resource: Academic Case

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The Competitive Advantage of India

India’s services sector had demonstrated that the country possessed the capacity to improve its global standing significantly. The question was whether India would capitalize on its success by addressing obstacles to growth, or miss the opportunity to enter the modern world.

Resource: Academic Case

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Angola's Mislaid Billions

This case focuses on corruption in Angola surrounding oil production. It discusses the involvement of nongovernmental organizations, oil companies, and internal organizations, as well as the Angolan response.

Resource: Academic Case

Research Papers : All

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Electoral Incentives and Partisan Conflict in Congress: Evidence from Survey Experiments

Does partisan conflict damage citizens’ perceptions of Congress? If so, why has polarization increased in Congress since the 1970s?

Resource: Research Paper

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The Effect of Tax Preferences on Health Spending

Workers who earn just below the Social Security tax threshold receive a larger tax preference for health insurance than workers who earn just above it.

Resource: Research Paper

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Government, Leadership

Does an Effective Media Reduce Politicians' Incentives to Pander to Voters?

Elections sometimes give policy makers incentives to pander — to implement policies that voters think are in their best interest even though the policy maker knows they are not, says Professor Kenneth Shotts. In general, an effective media reduces this tendency to pander, "but there are some exceptions to this general rule."

Resource: Research Paper

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TV Ads Do Influence Consumers — In Elections and Beyond

By studying the outcome of the 2000 U.S. presidential election, Stanford professor Wesley Hartmann and his coauthor have proved that television advertising sells products. Along the way they also found that television advertising tipped the election in favor of George Bush over Al Gore.

Resource: Research Paper

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Evaluating the Medical Malpractice System and Options for Reform

The U.S. medical malpractice liability system aims to compensate patients who are injured through the negligence of healthcare providers and to deter providers from practicing negligently. Though the system has failed to deliver on these goals, evidence from several studies suggests that wisely chosen reforms may reduce healthcare spending significantly with no adverse impact on patient health outcomes.

Resource: Research Paper

Courses : All

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Homeland Security: Operations, Strategy, and Implementation: OIT 571

This course covers a variety of topics in homeland security. Among them are bioterrorism, influenza pandemics, nuclear security at ports and around cities, the biometric aspects of the U.S. VISIT program, the intersection of homeland security and immigration, and suicide bombings.

Resource: MBA Course

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The International Economy: Policies and Theory: MGTECON 334

This course gives students an understanding of international trade economics, and analyzes the political processes by which international trade policy is determined. It combines lecture and mini-case studies.

Resource: MBA Course

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Political Economy of Health Care in the U.S.: MGTECON 331

The purpose of this class is to provide students with the economic tools and the institutional and legal background to understand how markets for health care products and services work. The class utilizes case studies, lectures, and visits from individuals in the industry.

Resource: MBA Course

Innovators : All

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Ernie Ting (MBA '80)

Ernie Ting helps voters find relevant information to become more engaged in our democracy with the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund.

Resource: Alumni

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Steve Westly (MBA '83)

Steve Westly reflects on his years as a public servant, including State Controller and CFO for the State of California, and his candidacy for Governor in 2006.

Resource: Alumni

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California Redistricting Panel Calls on Citizens Like Cynthia Dai, MBA '93

Cynthia Dai, MBA '93, joins panel redrawing districts for state government, Congress.

Resource: Alumni

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An interview with Peter Ohtaki (MBA '87)

As Executive Director of the California Resiliency Alliance (CRA), Peter Ohtaki has helped bring businesses and government together to improve disaster response and recovery.

Resource: Alumni

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Government Programs, Nonprofits, Social Policy, Corporate Social Responsibility, Environment, Government

An interview with Jeremy Sokulsky (MBA '04)

Jeremy Sokulsky is working with government land managers, environmental regulators and private conservation investors to restore Lake Tahoe clarity.

Resource: Alumni

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The Tea Party Is Good for America

In an interview, former Stanford University Provost Condoleezza Rice discusses her experiences as Secretary of State and as an African-American woman in government during the Bush administration.

Resource: Research Paper

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Behavioral economics perspectives on public sector pension plans

Most states and cities offer defined benefit pension plans to their employees, but is every defined benefit plan the same? A team of researchers find that in fact the replacement ratios of these plans vary greatly across jurisdictions. They compare the defined benefit pensions of the public sector with the defined contribution pensions of the private sector to draw conclusions about the design of public sector plans.

Resource: Research Paper

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The Road to (and from) the 2010 Elections

What elements led to the results of the 2010 mid-term congressional elections in the U.S. and what may they portend for the nation?

Resource: Research Paper

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Understand Young Companies in Your Own Backyard, Report Urges Global Leaders

Policy makers need to understand how early-stage companies in their own area work, rather than try to create another Silicon Valley, says Stanford management professor George Foster. He is coauthor of a new report published by the World Economic Forum.

Resource: Research Paper

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