Social Innovation
Social Innovation — The ADP framework
An open methodology for analysing social challenges, designing and testing innovative solutions, and contributing to sustainable social impact — published openly under CC BY 4.0.
The framework
The Social Innovation framework is ADP’s open methodology for analysing social challenges, designing and testing innovative solutions, and contributing to sustainable social impact.
It addresses a clear gap: practitioners working at the intersection of social impact, innovation, and development need shared vocabulary, structured methodology, and a credible way to demonstrate their capability. The framework provides all three.
It’s open. The complete reference work — the Social Innovation Manual — is published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. You can read it, use it, teach it, and adapt it. Attribution to ADP is the only requirement.
What the framework covers
The framework organises social innovation practice into a structured cycle:
What is the Discover phase?
Diverge to understand the problem deeply. Map the social context, surface lived experience, analyse stakeholders (using the AAA model — Authority, Acceptance, Ability), trace causes and effects, and identify the primary beneficiary. Discover ends with a shared, multi-angled view of the problem space — not yet a fixed problem statement.
What is the Define phase?
Converge to define the problem precisely. Narrow the opportunity using the SPICE framework (Situation, Problem, Impact, Causes, Evidence). Set a sharp, evidence-anchored problem statement and SMART success criteria. Define ends with the boundary conditions every subsequent solution must respect.
What is the Develop phase?
Diverge to generate the best solutions. Open the solution space with structured ideation — Brainstorming, Brainwriting, SCAMPER, TRIZ, Delphi, Nominal Group — frame the question with a "How might we…?" canvas, then enrich and cluster ideas before any selection. Develop ends with a wide, deliberate menu of candidate solutions.
What is the Deliver phase?
Converge to deliver the solution with discipline. Build a logic model, prototype low- and high-fidelity (Role Play, Storyboards, MVP, Pilot, Beta), measure with KPIs and NPS, then decide deliberately — pivot or persevere. Deliver ends with a validated solution, a Promise of Change, and a Call to Action that can be scaled.
Surrounding the cycle: the theoretical foundations of social innovation, management approaches for innovation work inside institutions, and the practitioner’s role across the full ecosystem.
Who this is for
The Social Innovation framework is used by:
- NGO programme staff designing and implementing development programmes
- Social entrepreneurs building mission-driven ventures and impact-focused models
- Public-sector innovation teams working on social initiatives, policies, and cross-sector partnerships
- Corporate sustainability and CSR practitioners managing social responsibility and ESG initiatives
- Consultants advising organisations on social development and institutional growth
- Academic researchers entering applied practice from social-science backgrounds
What’s available
The Social Innovation Manual
The complete reference work. Free CC BY 4.0 PDF, no registration required. Read the manual →
Certification
The Social Innovation Practitioner Certification (SIPC) — competence-based credential examined independently by certN. About SIPC certification →
Start learning
Two paths: self-study with the manual, or structured preparation with an accredited trainer. See your options →
For employers
Why SIPC is a credible credential, and how to bring the framework to your team. For organisations →