To be sustainable, any sector must remain aware of, and prepare for future trends.
The Third Sector is often considered flexible and nimble. This tendency deserves strategic support and enablement, so that the wider Third Sector and the City as a whole can benefit.
This process of identifying future and emerging trends in thinking and doing, and then supporting further exploration and development is what we call Future Thinking.
Investigating, considering and introducing the Compact to new ways of working and models which support the growth of social value has been a key area of work for the Compact in recent years.
This strand aims to continue this work so that the Compact can ensure that the Third and Public Sectors take a well-informed approach to new innovative ideas as they gather momentum. Promoting discussion and dissemination of information within the Sectors is a vital element of this strand.
Outcomes:
- Local, national and worldwide initiatives that are being developed, piloted or implemented that reduce poverty and inequality, support social value and focus on prevention are identified and considered for replication in Edinburgh
- The Third Sector leads innovation to deliver sustainable social change and positively influence public policy and services in the City
- The Third Sector capitalises on the potential of new technologies
- Intelligence regarding demographic and social trends in Edinburgh are understood and shared
Drivers for this strand
The environment we live in is ever changing (culturally, financially, technologically and environmentally). Understanding these changes and how they affect the people of Edinburgh is vital to ensure that the most appropriate support is offered across the City.
Front line delivery is the main focus of the Third Sector, and with increased demands there is less time for organisations to spend time on future thinking, so the Third and Public Sectors require a trusted gateway to channel relevant information.
