We are facing unprecedented societal challenges, from global pandemic, climate crises and technological disruption. The political polarisation further hinders the capacities of societies to imagine a more sustainable, inclusive and fairer futures for all.

In this era of crises and uncertainty, we believe in the power of social innovation. We need to harness the power of diverse insights to co-create new solutions for the future through collaboration and exchange. We must continuously learn from unlikely suspects and work together to find new ways of solving collective challenges we face.

SI Connect is a new initiative which aims to create a better, more connected UK social innovation ecosystem across the regions, with stronger transnational ties to Europe and beyond. It is part of an EU funded consortium project, the European Social Innovation Alliance (ESIA), which supports the establishment of national social innovation competence centres across Europe. We collaborate with four other ESIA consortium partners, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Poland and other partners in Europe to promote social innovation and learn from each other.

This event will mark the beginning of the SI Connect initiative in the UK and will bring together social innovation leaders, researchers and practitioners in Scotland. We will start this first conversation in Scotland this year but we aim to expand the conversation across the UK in the next stage. During the session, we will introduce our vision and aims of this collaborative initiative and we’d love your insights and contribution to co-creating the future of SI Connect.

We are holding 2 repeated sessions on 27 October and 28 October. Please select the time slot that is most convenient for you.

Join us in this journey of connecting and growing the UK-wide social innovation community!

What the session will cover:

• Introduction to SI Connect
• Getting to know each other in the SI ecosystem
• Understanding Scotland social innovation ecosystem in Scotland
• Co-creating SI Connect

About the organisers

Glasgow Caledonian University

Glasgow Caledonian University is one of the largest universities in Scotland with nearly 17,000 students. Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is the University for the Common Good. GCU’s Mission as the University for the Common Good draws on rich history and GCU’s founding purpose For the Common Weal (Good). GCU’s Vision is that, by 2030, Glasgow Caledonian University will be recognised as a world-leading University for social innovation. The Sustainable Development Goals, a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity, provide the guiding framework for delivery of its Strategy 2030.

SIX (Social Innovation Exchange)

SIX is a global organisation that believes collaboration and exchange can generate better solutions to the complex challenges facing the global community today. We harness the power of diverse insight and social innovation by uniting the best global innovators and examples to address local challenges in ways that optimise, rather than duplicate, effort. SIX facilitates collaboration and valuable exchange between organisations, sectors, communities and nations to both increase the pace at which organisations can respond, and build capabilities for more effective responses. We work sensitively across global and local levels and we are experts in cultural translation. Our field building and innovation partnering offerings connect our worldwide network of leading social innovation thinkers and practitioners to generate solutions with deep and lasting impact. We are committed to tackling the world’s problems, driving positive social change and helping to build strong, resilient and more equitable societies.

Sign up for the event here.