Events
Upcoming events.
National Conversations Series
The National Conversations on Social Innovation will create debate on forms of SI for the future and understanding critique/criticism. This series of five events will occur over the next few months, aiming to cover a range of thematic areas and engage key practitioners and organisations in lively discussion. These sessions will take the form of a roundtable where dialogue and discussion can be held on broad and high level themes. As we are aiming to make this a UK conversation about each topic, we are inviting a range of organisations from the four UK nations to be a part of the conversation. These will be online events, held on Zoom.
Organiser and facilitator
Social Innovation Connect, or SIC is the European Social Fund UK Social Innovation Competence Centre – set up and led by Glasgow Caledonian University. SIC aims to create a better, more connected UK social innovation ecosystem across the regions, with stronger transnational ties to Europe and beyond. It is a member of the European Social Innovation Alliance (ESIA), an EU-funded programme which is supporting the establishment of national social innovation 'competence centres' across Europe.
Social Innovation Fair
A showcase of regional and international projects to discover, learn, and network.
Financing options for impact startups
FASE is offering the last workshop of the KoSI seminar series for impact organisations on Financing Options for Impact Startups
For social enterprises and impact startups, the question often arises as to which financing options are available for their own company. Are bootstrapping, public funding, project financing, bank loans, or investments from impact investors the right form of financing for me? In this webinar, we provide an overview of different financing options for social enterprises and give tips & tricks for the next steps in raising funding.
- What financing options are available for social enterprises?
- How do I find out if a funding type is right for me?
- What are the requirements for the different forms of financing?
How far are we in the global electricity transition?
⚡️ What are the immediate challenges that the global electricity transition is facing?
🌱Come along to enjoy lunch whilst connecting with like-minded people and learning from
Impact Finance and Social Innovation: Theoretical Context and Areas of Application
We will explore the theoretical and regulatory context of impact finance and frame it from a policy perspective. Additionally, we will examine the prospects for development and the link between social innovation and impact finance.
Future of SI Measurement
The first of a three-part webinar which will discuss core findings of an approach to social innovation measurement, its relevance for transformative innovation policies, possibilities to anchoring SI measurement in the broader context and its usefulness for future research and innovation.
Regenerative and Experimental Marketing Workshop
Join us for this workshop facilitated by Zebra Growth on how to approach the growth of your impact-organisation as a series of experiments.
Bridging Communities
In this event, we will take a collective breath and broach one of the most challenging moments for any business or community: change.
Women in Social Innovation
Join us on international women's day at The Melting Pot as we explore the theme of women in social innovation.
Cost of Living Crisis and Social Innovation
Join us as we learn from social innovators and the actions they are taking to tackle the cost of living crisis here in Edinburgh
Launch of a University Social Innovation Network
An event to gauge interest in establishing a platform for best practice, tools and opportunities through knowledge exchange.
Social entrepreneurship: insight on its development, multiple nature and false friends.
The field of social entrepreneurship is various and complex. It includes multiple actors and it’s developing more and more. The webinar aims to give insights on this field, presenting recent research data about Europe and Italy.
Impact Investing 1.0
Social entrepreneurs have many options to finance their operations and growth. Yet, many founders struggle to bring them all together. In this workshop, we want to learn more about different types of investors and explore the different financial instruments that can be used to finance social enterprises.
There is no social innovation without citizens!
Building on the SEED mapping of Social Innovation in Italy, Greece, Romania and Slovenia, the webinar introduces the relevant role of citizens in the development of Social Innovation.
Stretching the future by design - In conversation with Christian Bason”,
We are delighted to share about our upcoming webinar “Stretching the future by design - In conversation with Christian Bason”, this time bringing you a Danish Design perspective.
Public sector innovation: Dynamics and evolution of a complex ecosystem
We are happy to announce that on Thursday, November 24, the SEED Capacity Building Programme will organize the third webinar dedicated to the Public Sector Innovation.
Livable Proximity
Ezio Manzini is a leading thinker in design for social innovation and sustainability and the founder of DESIS. Louise Pulford (CEO, SIX) will talk with Ezio about his new book, Livable proximity: Ideas for the City that Cares, and discuss what it means to build a city starting from the life of the citizens and an idea of livable proximity, drawing on examples and commitments from cities such as Milan, Barcelona and Paris.
Bridging Communities
The Melting Pot and Startup Grind Scotland are delighted to invite you to our second in-person, cross-community networking event. We’re bridging communities to help you spark new connections and collaborations. Join us at Codebase on November 3rd, where our speakers will share their stories and learnings about trusting themselves, letting go and trusting others, and trust as the foundation for building strong communities and ecosystems.
To register and know more: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bridging-communities-tickets-416608034847
Another world is possible - In conversation with Geoff Mulgan
For our first event of the Reshaping Europe - A global dialogue series, we will be in conversation with Geoff Mulgan, Professor of Collective Intelligence, Public Policy and Social Innovation at University College London. Drawing on the insights from his new book, Another World is Possible, Louise Pulford (CEO, SIX) will talk to Geoff about how we can use creative imagination to achieve a better future. What can we learn from the past and what methods can we use now to open up thinking about the future and spark action?
Changemakers and Pioneers
A showcase of EU funded socially innovative projects from Scottish universities & their partners and a chance to explore future opportunities for collaboration.
Register at: tinyurl.com/changemakersandpioneers
BuiCaSus Mid Term Conference
Dates: 20/21-10-2022. Place: Madrid, Spain. Venue: Still to be confirmed.
The mid-term conference provides for the opportunity to make the respective work packages converge. Then, the country diagnostic work will be available and ready for synoptic comparison. Likewise, the two formative streams, on piloting and upscaling and the knowledge hub will have gained traction.
While we reduce international travel due to the pandemic and carbon-footprint, we are looking forward to celebrating this key event in a face-to-face setting.
Autumn in the heart of the Castilian highland plateau might as well be a pleasant background to do so.
Attendees: Some 60 policymakers, practitioners and scholars will meet.
Speakers: Still to be confirmed.
More information: Please contact your country partner for this event (Spain, Latvia, France or Sweden).
Early Career Research Conference (ECC) 21 – 23 September 2022, Dortmund / Germany
On 21-23 September 2022, EU-SPRI in cooperation with TU Dortmund University (Social Research Centre) and Fraunhofer ISI will organise the Early Career Research Conference (ECC) entitled “Social Innovation Policy: Concepts, Methods and Policy Practices”. Early career researchers are invited to actively participate.
Timeline for participation:
May 1, 2022: Deadline for extended abstracts (750 – 1,000 words)
June 7, 2022: Notification of acceptance
August 31, 2022: Deadline for (draft) full papers (5000 – 7000 words) (or slides in the case of speed talks)
September 21-23, 2022: Conference
Please find more information and the call at: https://www.zsi.at/object/event/6230/attach/Early_Career_Research_Conference_call_Final.pdf
EXTERNAL EVENT - Social Enterprise Policy & Practice Conference 2022 by CEIS
EXTERNAL SI EVENT
“We're inviting Third Sector representatives to join us as we explore how we use community wealth building to create an inclusive economy.
About this event
Our mission is to make Scotland a better place to live and work with an inclusive economy. We believe there’s no other way for us to tackle the issues our society faces or build back from Covid unless we do it collaboratively, in a way that puts social value and social impact at the heart of what we do.
We want to build on the commitment that the Scottish Government has made to community wealth building to create a wellbeing economy. This policy environment is suited to our needs and the ambitions of the social enterprise sector, and the time is now for us to start to build upon this opportunity.
The problems that we face as a society are far too complex for any one organisation or individual to tackle on their own. It’s only by working together with people who have similar aims but have different backgrounds that we can achieve more than we could alone.
We are therefore inviting everyone in the Third Sector to participate in this year’s Social Enterprise Policy & Practice conference as we explore how we use the principles of community wealth building to create an inclusive and diverse society and workplace for all.”
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/social-enterprise-policy-practice-conference-2022-tickets-353981788057?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
Arts based social innovation & collaboration opportunities
The public event ‘Arts based social innovation & collaboration opportunities’ will be an opportunity to come together, share examples of effective arts based social innovation processes and how they can be extremely impactful in community engagement work. This event aims to inspire social innovators to incorporate arts based approaches in their stakeholder engagement work as well as for socially engaged artists to consider applying their practices in different contexts. This event aims to be a platform to connect different disciplines.
Speakers:
Jo Spinks, Interwoven Productions - Circular and gift economy in creative placemaking, Exeter
Madeleine McGirk, ITAC (International Teaching Artists Collaborative) - Teaching artists and community engagement impact in Scotland
Fié Neo, INSEP (International Network for Socially Engaged Practitioners) and SIX (Social Innovation Exchange) - Global overview and cross sector examples
Clara Bloomfield, Socially Engaged Artist - Scotland case studies from own practice
Register here
SI CONNECT EVENT - NATIONAL CONVERSATIONS SERIES - Financing Social Innovation
Finding the right instruments to implement socially innovative ideas can be challenging. Many social entrepreneurs and community enterprises are not sure what financial instruments are available for social entrepreneurs in the UK, or how to go about seeking investment outside of mainstream models of business investment and investor networks. Much funding that is available for start up and business development is focused on the bottom line, and the financial health of an organisation long term. Organisations with a social mission often struggle to contend and compete within these frameworks. These more traditional models can prevent small and grassroots organisations from affecting the change they wish to see because of unsuitable impact and reporting frameworks.
There is a growing interest in offering finance options that take into account social and environmental impact. Many funders and investors now ask for evidence of the social and environmental impact a project or enterprise will have. Many organisations are exploring models that make use of a diverse range of sources of funding and investment for their idea. Public organisations are looking at alternative models for procurement and funding of projects that promise social impact.
During this session we will hear from leading organisations in different regions of the UK about funding projects and businesses with social and environmental missions, and also about the ways in which we can start reshape our local economies to empower marginalised groups and local communities. This will be an online Zoom session. The panel discussion will be followed by audience questions. Our key speakers on the panel are:
• Colin McMillan, Investment & Growth Manager – Firstport
• Glenn Bowen, Enterprise Programme Director – Social Business Wales
• Kai Wooder, Director of Programmes – Rank Foundation
LINK TO JOIN: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/370858968157
EXTERNAL EVENT - Innovation Masterclass Series – 3: Towards Net Zero – How sustainability can drive innovation in your business - Brunel University London
EXTERNAL SI EVENT
Innovation Masterclass 3: Towards Net Zero – How sustainability can drive innovation in your business
““60% of UK employees say it's important to work for an organisation that has an active environmental policy to reduce its carbon emissions”
This short workshop will introduce the wider context of sustainability and why it matters to your business. The primary objective is to support your business as it moves to an ‘environmentally active’ company across design, marketing, supply chain, operations and legal compliance. Moreover, the context of the Circular Economy and the United Nations Sustainability Goals (UNSDGs) and Net Zero can stimulate creative thought and business propositions that respond to increasing targets and market sensitivity around environmental issues across different sectors.
The output will enable your business to understand key sustainability frameworks consonant with the market requirements for customer acquisition and retention and mitigate against future risk including not being able to supply key markets. This will help formulate future strategy and environmental policy making processes.
The workshop will also emphasize the broader need for companies to express their ‘purpose’– not just the ‘WHAT and ‘HOW’ but the ‘WHY’. This thinking will underpin defining your company’s strategic priorities and actions.”
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/innovation-masterclass-series-brunel-university-london-tickets-360413535587?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
EXTERNAL EVENT - Elevate Exchange: Innovation
EXTERNAL SI EVENT
“Exploring what it means to be an innovative business.
About this event
The Elevate Exchanges are our flagship, hybrid events focused on our three key pillars: Sustainability, Innovation and Community. We bring together experts from a range of sectors to share advice, insights and spark debate.
This half day event takes place on Manchester Central's open day, giving you the opportunity to experience their incredible event spaces.
The Innovation Exchange explores what it means to be an innovative business. Does it happen by accident or design? Is it all about new products or should we focus on innovative processes? What innovation is taking place across the North West?
Join us to find out the answers to these questions and more!
Agenda
1.30pm: Welcome by Ilona Alcock, Elevate
1.35pm: Atom Valley Update by Neil Eccles - Rochdale Development Agency
1.45pm: Leadership Panel with Ben Jaffrey - Bruntwood Works, James Alcock - Navigate
2.15pm: Q&A with Mara Rastall and Karim Ozer - Enspec Power
2.25pm: Gamechangers Panel with Amer Gaffar - Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, Charlotte Ashton - Implicit
2.45pm: Break
3.15pm: Lightning Talks
4.30pm - Close”
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elevate-exchange-innovation-tickets-249281165677?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
SI CONNECT EVENT - NATIONAL CONVERSATIONS SERIES - Social Innovation Enablers across the UK
Social Innovation is often supported by key agencies and organisations across the UK. These organisations are key to understanding what support is needed locally and nationally, and where key gaps are. Whether these organisations are public organisations focused on specific support, or independent organisations that provide key resources and services to budding social enterprises and community projects; they empower and drive groups and individuals with a social mission.
There is much to navigate when deciding to undertake a business or project that addresses a social cause. It can be a very lonely place to be, and a difficult journey engaging a community or group, and also navigating the complicated legal and financial processes to get established. Failure is common for new social innovators, and organisations that support them are often the ones that persuade them to keep trying in the face of adversity. Organisations like this also face their own challenges, working with the context varying across the UK between regions and the four nations of the UK. Justifying their existence often becomes a key issue when funding and policy changes around them, and to survive organisations have to be agile and prepared to pivot focus whilst still supporting the communities they did before.
During this session we will hear from leading organisations in different regions of the UK about Social Innovation and Enterprise in their local context, and also about the ways in which we can start to collaborate with our communities to address the variety of challenges we face as a society today. This will be an online Zoom session. The panel discussion will be followed by audience questions. Our key speakers on the panel are:
● David Haddow, Co-Founders - Social Shifters
● Cleo Goodman, Co-Founder – Basic Income Conversation
● So Jung Rim, Chief Operating Officer - Social Innovation Exchange
LINK TO JOIN: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/370845909097
EXTERNAL EVENT - Innovation Masterclass Series – 2: Building an Innovation Culture - Brunel University London
EXTERNAL SI EVENT
Innovation Masterclass 2: Building an Innovation Culture
“Building an innovation Culture - Vision, Mission and Values. This segment will outline the importance of understanding, managing and building a strong culture to support innovation and build your brand.
How does your company create ‘value’? This segment will explore the importance of user driven value creation and a business model that underpins delivering on the promise of your company’s products and services.
Making it all pay: pragmatic business models and successful execution. Without an effective business model, it becomes hard to see what value your company is providing. This segment will offer a rapid and pragmatic approach to reviewing and establishing a robust business model for your business– giving you some of the practical methods you need to drive your idea, sales and the overall business.
Failing faster: quickly establishing what will work. Cut through the noise and learn faster. You need to be agile and able to test ideas quickly and efficiently before committing valuable business resources. The session will show you how to undertake the rapid testing of new ideas and concepts with potential stakeholders, allowing you to prioritise winners.
Communicating with impact. You often only get one good chance to get your message across. You must be equipped to take it. This session will give you the tools, techniques and confidence need to present your ideas clearly and succinctly.”
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/innovation-masterclass-series-brunel-university-london-tickets-360413535587?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
SI CONNECT EVENT - NATIONAL CONVERSATIONS SERIES - Social and Civic Innovation
Within Social Innovation we often refer to Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship but Civic Innovation is a key area where socially innovative activities can take place.
With the strain on local authorities and health boards for greater provision of services and community empowerment, despite lower available resources; there is a growing space for Civic Innovation to address the challenges of regions and cities in innovative and effective ways; while putting citizens at the heart of that process. Citizens themselves may have solutions to offer, and engaging them in a co-design, collaborative decision making process is resourceful and a potentially more model.
Civic innovation has the potential to have wider scope and reach in addressing social and environmental issues, and is not confined to business and start-up financing; but has the option to engage with large strategic funds; and multi body collaborations that can have far reaching positive effects. There are many examples of innovative new models of citizen participation, community empowerment, participative democracy, and enabling of grassroots movements from public organisations across the UK.
During this session we will hear a few examples from local authorities and other organisations in different regions of the UK about Civic Innovation in their local context, who are trying to implement new ways of public engagement and provision, and also about the ways in which we can start to collaborate with our communities to address the variety of challenges we face as a society today. This will be an online Zoom session. The panel discussion will be followed by audience questions. Our key speakers on the panel are:
● Stevie McGowan, Creative Design Lead - Centre for Civic Innovation, Glasgow City Council
● Pauline Grandison, Developent Manager (Community Action) - The Coalfields Regeneration Trust
● Róísín Wood , Chief Executive Officer - The Community Foundation Northern Ireland
LINK TO JOIN: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/370841024487
EXTERNAL EVENT - Woodbridge Innovation Labs Launch
EXTERNAL SI EVENT
“Join us for our Innovation Labs Launch in Woodbridge | Tech Demos | Drinks & Snacks
About this event
About this event
A brand new innovation and business hub is launching in Woodbridge.
It’s aim is to foster:
• Innovation
• Advanced Technology Adoption
• Business growth
• Entrepreneurship
Founded by Orbital Global CEO Peter Brady, Business Growth Coaches Network CEO Peter Basford and startup CMO Hermione Way, this initiative will form the focal point for developing Woodbridge's innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Members will work from a spacious and strategic location, within the heart of Riduna Park and only a few minutes walk from Melton Train Station. A unique blend of unrivalled professional support will offer guidance on key aspects such as funding, scale up pathways and business management fundamentals. Innovation Labs will also host a number of events, allowing technology industry leaders to share their experiences and expertise.
Woodbridge is a thriving Suffolk town, with the potential for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship to be at it’s heart. We are aiming to help develop a business community that is innovating and scaling using modern technology pathways such as artificial intelligence, gamification, virtual reality, digital media, clean energy supply and software development..
This project is supported by East Suffolk Council and Suffolk Growth with the Innovate Local Initiative, who identified the local requirement to provide innovation and entrepreneurial support with flexible coworking space. Innovation Labs is a pathway to meeting these pressing needs, whilst offering businesses the opportunity to be positioned at the forefront of what is considered to be a critical initiative for the local economy.
This event is part of the programme of events linked to the Connected Innovation Project, funded by Norfolk Strategic Fund (NSF) and Suffolk Inclusive Growth & Investment Fund (SIGIF), which links Norfolk and Suffolk’s innovation hubs and clusters together to increase connectivity, cross sector collaboration and drive business innovation.”
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/woodbridge-innovation-labs-launch-tickets-374272528207?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1