Lab Concept Summary

Concept Overview

Mission
The Sustainability Innovation Lab is dedicated to addressing systemic challenges in sustainability through a blend of systemic innovation, systems thinking, complexity science, and transformative labs. Our primary goal is to foster social innovation projects that target sustainable development goals (SDGs), with a focus on social, environmental, and economic

sustainability. By leveraging partnerships and community-based models, the lab will drive initiatives that empower vulnerable communities, primarily within the Global North.
Vision
To be a global hub for innovative solutions that contribute to long-term sustainability. We envision a world where communities and industries collaboratively design and implement sustainable solutions for systemic challenges, with our lab acting as a catalyst for this transformation.

Values
Inclusivity: Empowering marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Collaboration: Building strong partnerships across sectors.
Innovation: Leveraging new methods and approaches to solve sustainability problems.
Integrity: Aligning all efforts with ethical and sustainability values.

Key Objectives

1. Address wicked problems such as inequality, climate resilience, and sustainable energy transitions.
2. Support community-driven projects in the Global North to create measurable, positive environmental and social impacts.
3. Foster research and education, combining theory with practical applications in sustainability and social innovation.
   
   
   Organizational Structure Roles & Responsibilities
   Executive Director: Oversee the strategic direction of the lab and lead partnerships with stakeholders.
   Program Managers (by category): Focus on core lab themes such as climate action, social justice, and sustainable development.
   Research and Innovation Officers: Drive project research, collect data, and ensure alignment with the SDGs.
   Advisory Board: A team of industry experts and academic advisors providing guidance on strategic initiatives (recruited in Week 5).
   Partnership Coordinator: Manage collaborations and outreach efforts with NGOs, universities, and corporate sponsors.
   Administrative Team: Support daily operations, including financial management and communications.
   
   Business/Operational Plan (Overview)
   
   The lab’s business plan outlines key activities for the first 12 months and the corresponding financial projections:
   
   Financial Projections (medium-case scenario)
   Initial Funding: £500,000 targeted from grants and corporate sponsors (based on Week 7 funding research).
   Expenses Breakdown: 40% research and project funding, 25% salaries, 15% operational costs, 10% partnership development, 10% outreach.
   Revenue Streams:
   Grants & Public Funding: Core source of early-stage financing.
   Corporate Sponsorships: Long-term financial backing.
   Consulting & Advisory Services: As projects mature, lab staff will offer consultancy in
   systems thinking and sustainability innovation.
   
   Operational Milestones (12-Month Timeline):
   Months 1-3: Launch initial projects and secure additional funding.
   Months 4-6: Onboard core team members and launch first flagship project.
   Months 7-9: Scale lab initiatives and explore international partnerships.
   Months 10-12: Deliver measurable results from flagship projects; expand the lab’s
   project pipeline.
   
   Detailed Presentation/Report for Stakeholders
   Introduction to the Lab
   The Sustainability Innovation Lab is an interdisciplinary initiative focused on systemic transformation. We partner with local communities, government agencies, and industry leaders to co-create solutions addressing critical sustainability challenges. By driving innovation in energy, social justice, and climate resilience, the lab is poised to create long-lasting social and environmental impact.
   
   Funding Plan
   Initial Funding Secured: Applications submitted to the likes of UKRI’s Environmental Sustainability Fund and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation (expected response within 3-6 months).
   Potential Corporate Sponsors: Conversations initiated with Unilever UK and Barclays Green Innovation Fund.
   Diversified Funding Strategy:
   Phase 1 (0-6 months): Focus on securing grants and public funding to establish early projects.
   Phase 2 (6-12 months): Develop sponsorship packages for corporate partners (branding and co-hosting opportunities).
   Phase 3 (Beyond 12 months): Explore consulting revenue from providing expert advice on sustainability
   
   Operational Structure & Timeline
   
   Our lab will be structured into three key teams: Research & Innovation, Partnerships & Outreach, and Operations. Each team will be responsible for specific deliverables across our 12-month roadmap. Key milestones will include the launch of two major projects by Month 6 and securing at least 3 long-term funding partners by Month 9.