The cornerstone of unity

FOREWORD OF THE SECOND EDITION
Dr. Ilkka Taipale has claimed that “When you put in a coin or pour in some beer, out pops an idea”. This 
catalogue of Finnish social innovations is one of those ideas. 
Usually the word 
“innovation” refers to developing new material objects or commercial services, but innovations 
can also be social in nature: social innovations are practical solutions that promote citizens’ participation, standard 
of living, health, education and other forms of wellbeing. 
It is a good idea to broaden the concept of innovation. Wellbeing is founded not just on technical 
developments but also on social innovations. 
This book contains different kinds of highly diverse social innovations, which make it an engaging and 
interesting read. Innovations cannot be classed in any rational way according to how good, important and 
inventive they are. There are practical solutions and things that make everyday life that little bit easier, as well as 
hugely important poli
tical decisions and social politics that have had a beneficial effect on the nation’s wellbeing. 
My own favourite innovation concerns the creation of more opportunities for equality. Free education and 
student grants have made education available to everyone, regardless of their social or economic background. 
This book also includes innovations whose developers have a good sense of humour. An interesting example 
of this is the highly popular traditional board game African Star.
According to former chief ed
itor Aimo Kairamo, “It is always worth giving Taipale money for whatever reason 
he needs it because it always goes to a worthy cause.” This book that Docent Ilkka Taipale has edited is a good 
example of that. It has already been translated into many languages 
– Finland’s social innovations are also 
interesting to people beyond our national borders. Promoting and ensuring wellbeing requires ongoing 
development and renewal. I hope that this book encourages pioneers in different fields to create new and even 
better innovations than before. 
Sauli Niinistö
President of the Republic of Finland