UNDP and NIA partner to mainstream social innovation in Sri Lanka

National Innovation Agency Chief Innovation Officer Prof. Ajith de Alwis and UNDP Sri Lanka Resident Representative Azusa Kubota sign Letters of Engagement

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, through its innovation arm Citra Social Innovation Lab, has partnered with the National Innovation Agency (NIA) to jointly address the challenges and work together to strengthen the social innovation ecosystem in Sri Lanka.

Social innovation is the process of developing and implementing innovative ideas, products and services to address social and environmental challenges and is important in development as it provides new and creative solutions to complex social problems, such as poverty, inequality and environmental degradation. 
With the increase in complexity and scale of social challenges, there is a growing need for more inclusive, collaborative and innovative approaches to address these challenges, thus making social innovation a highly promising approach in advancing the national development agenda to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing society today. 

The NIA was established with the specific aim of promoting a better understanding of innovation in the fields of social sciences, science and technology, defence, environment and service and their impact on the economy of the country. Citra Lab, a joint initiative of the Prime Minister’s Office and UNDP in Sri Lanka, was instrumental in the conceptualisation and design of the NIA. The organisation, which specialises in the use of innovation and foresight tools, will offer its expertise in design thinking and human-centred design to activate the social innovation pillar at the agency. 

Formalising of this strategic partnership through an exchange of letters took place recently with UNDP Sri Lanka Resident Representative Azusa Kubota and NIA Chief Innovation Officer Prof. Ajith de Alwis.  

The key objectives of this alignment are centred on streamlining social innovation within Sri Lankan society and to embed social innovation into national development efforts to achieve sustainable human development. The nature of this cross-sector partnership will enable stakeholders to co-construct and implement socially innovative solutions, which will address socio-economic issues, create positive social impact and enhance the well-being of communities.