NOVEL SOLUTIONS TO WICKED PROBLEMS

A journey of cultural immersion for leaders. Learn from fresh, alternative micro-solutions from diverse global contexts and apply it to your own unique contexts.

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Novel Solutions to Wicked Problems is a read-supported online community for innovative problem-solving. Join other curious minds exploring new models and frameworks inspired by the Global South. Subscribe to our Substack for insights, case studies and tools to unlock intractable challenges.

Now inviting sustainability champions and leaders for our 2024 expedition to Mumbai, India.

17th - 22nd November 2024: Unveiling the power of collectives in a circular economy

Novel Solutions to Wicked Problems

Embracing the Circular Economy isn't merely a solution for the UK - it's an empowering opportunity, a challenge, and a catalyst for innovation. Yet, its influence extends beyond the environmental.

It's also a key to unlocking economic potential and fostering a society that is prosperous and equitable in equal measure.

Yet, the journey to a circular economy isn't one we can walk alone. It requires the power of collective wisdom that spans across borders.

Novel Solutions

Seeing is believing. You’ll never be the same.

You will:

Be inspired

Learn from the best. You’ll be touched and moved to act.

Think differently

Step outside your comfort zone and enrich yourself with alternative approaches from a diverse cultural context.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery

You will have that much-needed space for self-reflection and personal evolution. This is yourmoment.

Build Connections

A cohort of 12 leaders from varied contexts and backgrounds providing you with learning andmeaningful connections for future collaborations.

Programme in Mumbai, India

Over five days, you will make an extraordinary journey through Mumbai. Meet exceptional human beings, experience captivating moments, forge meaningful connections, and return equipped with insights to shape your future and of the organisation you are a part of.

Days 1 - 4

Meet with award-winning Jyoti Mhapshekar and her 3000 women waste pickers - the ‘recycling warriors’ of Mumbai creating regenerative businesses. Visit their operationalsites, explore their business models and learn from their iterative approaches to create solutions at scale.

Interact with the ‘Clothing Man’ of India and listed by Forbes Magazine as one of India’s most powerful rural entrepreneurs, Anshu Gupta. Visit his work at Goonj -a sustainable economic model using urban under-utilized and surplus material as a tool to trigger all- round development.

Get to grips with the Indian ‘Jugaad’ and how the Paper Mills in India are using frugal innovation to optimise recycling with Tushar Shah. Also get to know the entrepreneurs who responded to the Covid crisis with beds made from recycled paperboard.

Meet the Pioneer of Microfinance in India, Aloysius Fernandez, and learn how India’s vibrant financial ecosystem has embraced micro-capital generating solutions alongside community wealth

Day 5

This one-day workshop is designed as a safe and reflective space to articulate and integrate the inspiration and insights from our journey together. As fellow travellers, we will together explore what can we bring back home to our work and lives.

You won’t return the same person.

You’ll gain a unique perspective on scale which only India can offer

You’ll think more deeply about the environment in which you live and possible micro-solutions we can adopt and adapt.

You’ll be better connected with leaders across the UK.

You’ll lead from a more inspired place after meeting with innovative leaders in Mumbai.

The immersive experience

Field Visits to operational sites providing an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced, innovativepractices employed, and the impact generated.

Interactive Sessions in dialogue with experts, ask questions, and explore the practical applications ofthe circular economy principles.

Collaborative learning activities and a peer earning approach to enable cross-pollination of ideas,fostering a rich learning environment and inspiring participants to adapt and apply successful modelsto their own contexts.

The participants

Who is it for?

We are seeking 12 participants who possess curiosity, ambition, and a drive for innovation from various sectors including:

  • Industry

  • Public Sector

  • Academic

  • Social enterprise

  • Any interested/interesting human being!


Participation Options

Explore your options in driving change with distinct Participation Options, providing you with the chance to actively engage or empower others towards Novel Solutions.

  • "I strongly encourage you to join the next Novel Solutions to Wicked Problems study tour. I was fortunate enough to take part in the 2019 study tour of self-reliant groups across India. It transformed my understanding of anti-poverty strategies. ‍ I can think of five reasons to join the trip. One, Noel is a great leader. He has a deep understanding of the Indian context and its relevance for challenges in the Global North. Two, India is the cradle of innovation. In Tech. In combating poverty. In maternal and child health. In strong and effective ties between civil society and healthcare systems. And more. Three, everything in India operates, by default, at scale. You will not be seeing any small pilots. Fourth, we learn so much more when we see ourselves and our work in a completely different cultural context. Fifth, you are going to meet a lot of smart, adventurous, innovative people, some from the U.K. and many from India. ‍ And if that doesn’t convince you. With Noel in charge you are going to have fun."

    Dr. Michael Little

    Ratio

  • "A unique opportunity to meet and learn with everyday inspiring people who are transforming their lives and the places they live in. Being part of a group that could then think, plan and act together made this not only a journey of discovery but a plan of action."

    ‍

    Emma Ackerman

    Former Head of Strategy, National Lottery Community Fund

Interested?

Register your interest below. Potential sponsors looking to support this ground-breaking initiative are also invited to get in touch.

Novel Solutions Blog

Keep up to date with the latest developments, news and insights

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A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR COFFEE GROUNDS?
A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR COFFEE GROUNDS?

Glasgow's 'Grounds for Recycling' project confronts coffee waste, seeking sustainable models like Mumbai's successful initiatives.

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THE RIGHT TO REPAIR
THE RIGHT TO REPAIR

The emergence of a “throw-away society” has forged an economy that encourages manufacturers to create short-lived assets, often with built-in obsolescence, and constructed using techniques that prioritise cheap manufacturing processes rather than durability, to sustain a small margin high volume business model.

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WICKED PROBLEMS
WICKED PROBLEMS

Finding novel solutions to wicked problems is not easy, but it is not impossible

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