European Social Innovation Competition 2013
What was the 2013 European Social Innovation Competition about?
The first edition of the Competition ‘New forms of work’ sought innovative solutions for creating new opportunities for work, and for better work. It was funded by the European Commission.
What happened?
Over 600 proposals were received, out of which three were awarded with a prize of €20,000 at the European Social Innovation Awards Ceremony in Brussels.
The jury was composed of 10 experts in social innovation, independent from the European Commission and from various countries and backgrounds. Each of the proposals from the finalists clearly illustrated innovation, potential for systemic change, ability to be replicated or transferred to another EU Member State or more, and potential for sustainability.
The winning projects aimed to reduce youth employment by sharing jobs among young and older employees, to extend the reach and quality of small-scale social care and health services via an app, and to improve access to the job market for economically deprived by making their skills widely visible.
This challenge was funded by
The winning ideas show that social innovation has the potential to make a major difference in creating new opportunities for work.
New markets can be developed from grass-root ideas. The current economic crisis makes this more important than ever.
We must look to social innovation to stimulate a more dynamic, inclusive and sustainable social market economy. Unlocking potential and creating work is what we dearly need in today’s difficult times.
The winners
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Community Catalysts (UK)
Community Catalysts proposes connecting talents in business and communities to create jobs for social benefit by helping people to use their creativity to set up sustainable, small-scale social care and health services that people can afford. These micro-enterprises could be offered by a wide range of people, including disabled, older and family carers. Community Catalysts want to extend their current reach and impact through a managed network of professional business and professional mentors supporting community entrepreneurs throughout the UK via an on-line platform.
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Economy App (Germany)
Economy App collects information from users on what they could offer in a local economy and what their economic needs are. The software keeps a record of the value of products and services provided and accepted for every person in this economic network and so no money ever needs to change hands.
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MITWIN.NET (Spain)
MITWIN.NET proposes an intergenerational professional network conceived to facilitate contact between people in order to share a job post and knowledge, with the main goal of reducing the high rate of youth unemployment. MITWIN.NET recommends that older workers share a job with younger people, allowing those approaching retirement to share knowledge with those being incorporated into the job market, easing both entry and exit from the job market and addressing young unemployment.
We need to think and act differently to combat unemployment– the biggest societal challenge of today. I wish that these types of innovative ideas could be expanded and replicated to have large-scale impact. This is a source of growth and jobs we need to tap into
Other editions of the Competition
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European Social Innovation Competition 2021
Looking for scalable social innovations that will contribute to job creation, growth and competitiveness in Europe.
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European Social Innovation Competition 2020
Looking for ideas that improve the environmental and social impact of the European fashion market.
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European Social Innovation Competition 2019
Tackling the problem of rising plastic waste levels across the world
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European Social Innovation Competition 2018
Seeking innovative projects to empower young people to participate in a changing economy.
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European Social Innovation Competition 2017
Seeking innovations to equip all members of society with skills and opportunities for a changing economy.
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European Social Innovation Competition 2016
Supporting creative approaches to realise the potential of refugees and migrants in the EU.
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European Social Innovation Competition 2015
Supported individuals and organisations with game-changing ideas for social innovation projects.
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European Social Innovation Competition 2014
The European Social Innovation Competition 2014 ‘The Job Challenge’ sought innovative solutions for creating new types of work and address social needs.
What is the European Social Innovation Competition?
Launched in memory of social innovation pioneer Diogo Vasconcelos, the European Social Innovation Competition is a challenge prize run by the European Commission across all EU Member States and Horizon 2020 Associated Countries. Now in its 8th year, the Competition acts as a beacon for social innovators in Europe, employing a proven methodology for supporting early-stage ideas and facilitating a network of radical innovators shaping society for the better. Each year the Competition is based around a different issue facing Europe.