How can regional ecosystems strengthen the development of social innovation? This report highlights models used to describe, map, and connect the actors, structures, and conditions that influence social innovation at the local and regional levels.
The report was produced as part of the EU-funded BIRDS (Boosting Initiatives & Resources to Develop Social Innovation) project, a transnational collaboration among the national centers of excellence for social innovation in France, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. It focuses on how regional ecosystems can be strengthened to create better conditions for developing and implementing social innovations.
During the project, the project partners exchanged experiences, with researchers and practitioners jointly analyzing existing ecosystem models. The report presents four models from France, Spain, Portugal, and Sweden and summarizes key lessons learned and recommendations regarding which components are most useful for supporting social innovation at the regional and local levels.
This report is intended for stakeholders involved in developing, supporting, or promoting social innovation, such as those in the public sector, academia, civil society, and the business community. It was developed by the Swedish Agency for Innovation and Research ( Forum for Social Innovation Sweden ) in collaboration with other project partners within BIRDS and offers both insights and practical perspectives for understanding and developing ecosystems for social innovation.
The report is in English.
About BIRDS
Boosting Initiatives & Resources to Develop Social Innovation (BIRDS) is a transnational collaborative project between the national centers of excellence for social innovation in France (Avise), Portugal (Portugal Social Innovation), Spain (Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and Agenda 2030), and Sweden (Forum for Social Innovation Sweden). The project aims to strengthen and professionalize these competence centers and build their capacity to work with actors in the field of social innovation.