We will first introduce you to the theoretical concept of social innovation, in light of current welfare policy debates at the national and supranational levels. The topic of social innovation will be presented in a critical way as to uncover the opportunities as well as the limitations embedded in such new potential form of welfare provision. Different forms of social innovation (i.e. social enterprises, social impact bonds etc.) more or less established will be discussed.
In the second and third part of the day a number of specific themes will be addressed; ideal topics could be housing, migration, poverty, discrimination, digital exclusion or environmental justice (these can be adjusted based on the audience’s interests). In each case, we will focus on a specific geographical context and discuss, on the one hand, potential gaps in the current welfare provision systems and, on the other hand, the kind of social innovations that could help to tackle them.
The final chapter will involve a closing discussion of all findings from the thematic sessions, in order to highlight the ecosystem-based nature of social innovation and its implications concerning the relationship between the State and the private sector.