Presenter: Kate Sutton
Title: The Greatest Innovations Were Social, Not Technical
Abstract: When we think of innovation, we often think of gadgets and technology. But many of the most powerful innovations of the past century were social — new ways of organising, supporting one another, and solving shared problems. This session looks at the “quiet inventions” that reshaped society, from public institutions to community-led initiatives, and asks what we can learn from them today. It’s a reflective, story-driven exploration of how change really improves lives — and why it still matters.
Date:
This Technological Impact Workshop will run on Tuesday 11th August from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm and include a tea / coffee break.
About the expert
Kate Sutton
Kate Sutton is a strategy and innovation leader specialising in urban development, economic transformation, and cross-sector collaboration. As a Director at Deloitte and Future of Auckland Lead, she works with public and private sector organisations to design and deliver transformative solutions that address complex societal and economic challenges. With more than 15 years of experience advising governments and leading initiatives across business, civil society, and international development, she brings a global perspective to building sustainable, inclusive, and future-focused cities.
Kate has built her career at the intersection of innovation and impact, including founding a consultancy focused on social enterprise and impact investment, supporting entrepreneurs in emerging markets, and contributing to large-scale programmes across the Pacific and beyond. She is widely recognised for her work in fostering partnerships that drive system-level change, and for her thought leadership on innovation ecosystems and urban transformation in New Zealand. She holds an MBA from Cranfield School of Management and an MA from the University of Auckland.
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