On 5-6 December 2024, the University of Bologna hosted the first national workshop on Social Innovation, organised by the Italian Centre of Competence for Social Innovation (ICCSI). The event brought together researchers and practitioners to share innovative solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges.
The two-day workshop took place at the Auditorium of the Department of Economics in Bologna and featured interdisciplinary contributions from experts in economics, social sciences, and urban regeneration. The program included presentations of research projects, case studies, and tools designed to tackle contemporary social and ecological issues. Participants examined the role of innovation in shaping inclusive and sustainable communities.
The event served as a national platform for dialogue among academia, institutions, and civil society, aiming to bridge research and practice in the filed of social innovation.
Notable contributions came from scholars and professionals across leading Italian universities and research centers, including the University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano and Torino, EURICSE, and Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini.
The organizing committee included Giulio Ecchia and Maria Letizia Guerra (UNIBO), Paolo Landoni (Politecnico di Torino), Gianluca Salvatori (EURICSE), Francesca Rizzo (Politecnico di Milano), and Patrizia Saroglia (Fondazione Brodolini).
A dedicated scientific committee ensured the academic relevance and quality of the discussions, featuring experts such as Francesca Buonanno (Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini) Mario Calderini (Politecnico di Milano), Cristian Campagnaro (Politecnico di Torino) and Giulia Galera (EURICSE).
The workshop highlighted the growing momentum of social innovation in Italy, encouraging collaborative approaches to complex societal problems.
Participants left with new insights and partnerships, reinforcing the national commitment to building an ecosystem that supports innovative, impact-driven solutions.
