Social Innovation Lab

Timetable

Module aim (aims)

The aim of this module is to get insights into social innovation concept (theoretical background and practical application) with a focus on creating a better quality of life and wellbeing of the citizens. The course will also reflect on such concepts as Corporate Social Responsibility and its practical applications (in business and universities). Students will learn about actual trends in social innovation with a focus on selected priorities of Sustainable Development Goals. The practical aim of this module will be to prepare the concepts for social innovation addressed to real life problems/challenges defined by the students. Students will not only get a theoretical insight into the current global challenges in terms of social innovation but will also acquire new practical skills through the learning by doing approach and design thinking methodology. The course ends with students presentations and a joint reflection on future scenarios on human wellbeing and prosperity.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

The course is open to any discipline and practical background, though skills in team work, communication or project management experience will be helpful.

Syllabus

Week 1: Theoretical introduction to modern innovation systems, social innovation, Industry and Society 5.0 concept, United Nation Agenda 2030

Week 2: Review the current social innovation project with global and local perspective – a case study presentation

Week 3: Working on social innovation project part 1. (defining the problems, the scopes and aim, main stakeholders and main risks associated)

Week 4: Working on social innovation project part 2. (defining the main tasks, the schedule and the main outputs and outcomes as well as possible impact)

Reading list

Atlas of Social Innovation – New Practices for a Better Future (pp. 50-53). Sozialforschungsstelle, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund.

Boelman, V., Kwan, A., Lauritzen, J.R.K., Millard, J., and Schon, R. (Eds.), Growing Social Innovation: A Guide for Policy Makers, a deliverable of the project: “The theoretical, empirical and policy foundations for building social innovation in Europe” (TEPSIE), European Commission – 7th Framework Programme, Brussels: European Commission, DG Research. The Young Foundation. Available at https://youngfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/YOFJ2786_Growing_Social_Innovation_16.01.15_WEB.pdf

Murray, R., Caulier-Grice, J., Mulgan, G. (2010). The Open Book of Social Innovation, The Young Foundation, NESTA, Available at NEST website https://media.nesta.org.uk/documents/the_open_book_of_social_innovation.pdf United Nation Sustainable Developent Goals platform https://sdgs.un.org/goals

Vilalta, J.M., Jové, N., Gómez V., Cayetano, M. (2020), 2nd GUNi International Conference on SDGs: Higher Education & Science Take Action. Barcelona. Available at www. guninetwork.org