Social innovation, societal challenges and new skills

The course aimed at providing participants with an introductory knowledge and global understanding of concepts, processes and crosscutting issues that concerns social innovation. In particular, it explored the intersection of social innovation, societal challenges, and the development of new skills.

The constant demand for innovative and sustainable solutions is closely linked to the need for defining and developing new skills. As a result, the course emphasised social innovation as a catalyst for change, while fostering future-oriented skills, including creativity, cognitive thinking, managerial expertise, and entrepreneurial abilities, all in close connection with the impact of emerging technologies.

Throughout the training, it was examined the role of social innovator as agents of change originating from various sectors, including public, civil society, private and third sector, considering their characteristics, operating context, and relation with societal sustainable transition.

CONTENTS AND OBJECTIVES

The course had three main objectives:

1. To equip students with a critical thinking approach to examine deeply rooted societal issues.

2. To develop a comprehensive understanding of how social innovation can address these challenges.

3. To nurture the vital skills needed for the evolving landscape of social change.

The programme covered the following topics:

• Defining Social Innovation: understanding social change – Social Innovation concepts;

• Defining Social Innovation: understanding Social Innovation approaches – the place-based approach and Social Innovation tools;

• Unveiling the Social Innovator: core characteristics and profile;

• Skills for the future and social impact;

• Cultivating creativity, cognitive, managerial, and entrepreneurial skills.

METHODOLOGY:

The course was delivered by using a dynamic training approach that merged theoretical and practical learning through interactive sessions. Its design was centred on actively engaging and inspiring participants.

Through hands-on learning, participants engaged with their environment through case studies, workshops, and collaborative group exercises.

Furthermore, a final assignment was required, whose successful completion was a key criterion for awarding the Certificate of Achievement.

NUMBER OF HOURS: 60 learning hours