This report provides an overview of how funding for social innovation is evolving in Sweden. Drawing on research, ESF-funded projects, and current initiatives, it analyzes the opportunities and challenges that characterize today’s funding landscape.
The report shows that social innovation is often hampered by a lack of long-term and appropriate funding, while interest is growing in new models such as social bonds, impact investing, and blended finance. Unlocking its full potential requires better coordination, more sophisticated financing instruments, and strengthened collaboration between the public sector, the business community, and civil society.
Despite the challenges, there is great potential. New forms of financing are beginning to yield results and may pave the way for more sustainable solutions to societal challenges.
About Boosting Initiatives & Resources to Develop Social Innovation (BIRDS)
This report was produced as part of the BIRDS project. BIRDS is a collaborative project between the national centers of excellence for social innovation in France (Avise), Portugal (Portugal Social Innovation, Cohesion & Development Agency), Spain (Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and Agenda 2030), and Sweden (Forum for Social Innovation Sweden , Malmö University). The aim is to develop the work and expertise of the centers of excellence by strengthening regional ecosystems, developing impact assessment, scaling-up models, and financing for social innovation. BIRDS is co-funded by the European Union through the Social Innovation+ initiative.