• Develop a basic understanding of Innovation Theory
• Develop a set of 5 Innovations that could improve system conditions
• Make linkages between the Innovations at the Pyramid Level

INTRODUCTION

Innovations are new ideas with a purpose. Their purpose is to change a system.

Sustainability Innovations are new ideas that have the potential to improve the performance of a system in a long-term, positive direction. The best ones affect two, three, or even all four Compass Points.

The first thing to know about Innovations is that they do not have to be new. To qualify as an Innovation, they only have to be new right now, in this system. Sometimes old ideas make a comeback; "everything old can be new again".

Take organic agriculture, for example. It is the oldest form of agriculture known to humanity. It is still practiced by many of the world's so-called "primitive" peoples. Yet today, in the context of fertilizers and pesticides and genetic engineering, it is also seen as a "new" farming method. "Organic" food has slowly been making its way from the realm of experimentation to the mainstream of the world's grocery stores and restaurants -- to the point where organic foods are now among the fastest growing product lines in the business.

The second thing to know about Innovations is that they do not have to be technical. When we think "innovation", we tend to think about industry, technology, the economy. But Innovations -- in terms of Innovation Theory -- come in many different flavours: they can be new policies, new programs, new messages, new behaviours, new rules, new habits, new concepts …

They can also be social, economic, political, or even "natural" – the environment innovates all the time, and we innovate in our relationship to the environment around us.

So when you think about Innovations -- new ideas -- that might change a system for the better, and help it move toward sustainability … think broadly.

City of Thuringowa Economic Development and Ergon Energy Renewable Energy Trading

• Understanding of the distinction between Innovation and Strategy (idea v. implementation)
• Develop a basic understanding of Diffusion Strategy and the "Avenues for Action" defined by the Gilman Equation
• Develop a set of 3 Strategic Initiatives that could advance an Innovation, or set of Innovations, and improve system conditions
• Make linkages between the Strategic Initiatives

INTRODUCTION

Strategies are implementation plans. Once you have identified an Innovation or set of Innovations with potential, you have to get those Innovations adopted. Sometimes that adoption must be by hundreds or thousands of people; sometimes adoption by a single important individual is the key. Strategies are methods for making that happen.

The top strategies agreed by the participants at the planning workshop was as follows:

1. To establish a Centre of Excellence of Innovation and Sustainability in the City of Townsville – linked with education establishments and industry – including a possible CRC for Innovation and Sustainability.
   
   
2. To integrate sustainability principles and initiatives into the future Rocky Springs Satellite City 2015
   
   
3. To develop and implement a Carbon Neutral Water Recycling plant for the whole city of Townsville – This was also linked to alternative energy sources for the city including Methane, and wind generation
   
   
4. To hold a Sustainability Summit for the whole Region.

The completed Sustainability Pyramid showing Society (yellow) and Economy (blue).

Contents:

Executive Summary

1. Council Executive Briefing
2. Business and Community Partners Executive Briefing
3. Townsville Have Your Say (THYS) sustainability presentation