Measuring Innovation in the NFP Sector

A national survey to measure the innovation capabilities of the Australian Not for Profit sector for the first time has launched today.

GiveEasy, an organisation that provides ways for people to donate to charities through their mobile or tablet devices, has partnered with Australia Post to create the Innovation Index.

GiveEasy founder Dr Jeffrey Tobias said people that took part in the anonymous survey would be given an innovation score which would be compared to an aggregated national average.

He said organisations needed to engage with their stakeholders and customers in simple, smart and social ways or else risk possible extinction.

“Almost every industry, as we know it, is being disrupted and challenged by technology. Innovation is a key driver of creating opportunities and transforming businesses, particularly in the Not for Profit sector – it drives ideas, prototyping, collaboration and creativity,” Dr Tobias said.

“This survey has not been done in Australia before.

“It is much less about what is the sector doing from an innovative project sense, but what are the capabilities of the sector.

The survey will measures the capability of Not for Profit organisations in four key areas;

• How open organisations are to new ideas.

• How collaboration is viewed within organisations.

• How innovation is measured, rewarded and recognised.

• How innovation partnerships are established.

Australia Post Head of Community Partnerships, Products and Services Chris Newton said innovation in the sector was critical particularly in engaging with donors, stakeholders, partners and their employees.

“It’s quite obvious that innovation has disrupted our business quite a bit,” Newton said.

“Innovation is essential for growth, and being able to innovate effectively is vital in a time where technology is changing the balance of power between producers and consumers. Our direct mail capability is still a very effective approach to fundraising, however we need to adapt to the changing dynamics of the market – particularly how younger generations engage and transact in a digital environment.

“Unlocking innovation is as essential for Australia Post as it is for the community sector and policy makers.”

The survey will be open until the end of October and a draft report is expected to be released by the end of the year with the Innovation Index available early next year.

“It isn’t one answer per organisation,” Dr Tobias said.

“If there are hundreds of people within an organisation we encourage them all to fill out the survey so that we can achieve a more comprehensive result.”

The survey can be viewed here.