Social innovation happens in any sector and any form of organization. You can find creative solutions with social impact in economy, education, politics, in the public and the welfare sector. According to the European Commission, social innovation means developing new ideas, services and models to better address social challenges. There is room for new approaches everywhere where a better way of doing things has a positive impact in society.
Innovators are actively contributing to a more equal, sustainable and just society. We believe that we have to work collaboratively in order to transform current social economic systems and to enhance infrastructures to enable more innovation. A great challenge needs all hands on deck and can only be achieved together. There are many innovators making a social impact today! We want to give them a place to be seen, found and appreciated.
The more we talk about and show them, the more the ideas spread and the more their importance and potential of solving social challenges becomes apparent. More visibility of already existing solutions leads to a broader understanding of the term and the awareness of the potential that lies within. We want to provide a platform to inspire opportunities for new connections, support and collaboration.
The good practices presented here highlight the wide range of innovative approaches and practical initiatives from across Europe. If you feel inspired to learn more and would like to get in touch with the innovator, you may find their website in the profile for current contact details.
The European Social Innovation Alliance is a joint project of Centre for Social Investment, Danish Design Centre, Danish Social Innovation Academy, Diakonie Schleswig-Holstein, FASE GmbH, Foundation for Civil Society, Glasgow Caledonian University, Institute for Work and Technology, Phineo gAG, Social Entrepreneurship Netzwerk Deutschland e.V., Shipyard Foundation, Social Enterprise Estonia, Social Innovation Exchange, Tallinn University, Technical University Dortmund, Võru County Development Agency with the lead partner Social Impact gGmbH and is funded by the European Commission via the European Social Fund and the European Programme for Employment and Social Innovation.
