As the buzz continues around federal-level efforts to advance social innovation (via the White House Office of Social Innovation and the Social Innovation Fund currently being developed by the Corporation for National and Community Service), the concept is also gaining traction in several states.

Louisiana and Texas already have organized, government-connected efforts to encourage innovative and entrepreneurial models.  Recently Root Cause CEO Andrew Wolk penned an op-ed in the Boston Business Journal calling for a Massachusetts Office of Social Innovation. He's received enthusiastic responses from many around the state offering to help to get this off the ground. Read his blog entry on the topic and America Forward's press mention.

In Minnesota, state Representative Paul Thissen submitted legislation this session for a statewide social innovation fund that would, in his words, "ensure more accountability from non-profits who receive state dollars - meauring results, extending the reach of successful ideas, and encouraging programs to become self-sustaining rather than reliant on ongoing government funds." The legislation passed in a shortened form, available here.

On the local level, we recently learned of the dynamic Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships, which "creates and develops public-private partnerships to stimulate postive change in the community and encourage civic involvement and responsibility. The office brings together representatives and resources from public and private sectors to address community issues impacting the quality of life in the County. This pooling of public and private resources has an effectiveness which surpasses government or private institutions acting alone."

It's clear that a paradigm shift is on the horizon. We at Public Innovators are beginning work on a thought piece about the role of public innovators - government officials who open the door to greater innovation and accountability in social problem solving - in tranforming government for the 21st century.  It looks like we should have plenty of examples to draw from.

We want your comments!  Is there an initiative in your city, county, or state that we should know about?  Post your examples here.