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Mohsen Seraji / Director of Creativity and Foresight
Social innovation network play a crucial role in addressing the social and economic challenges of modern cities. In advanced European countries, one key strategy for success in this area is the tripartite collaboration between the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and universities. This collaborative model accelerates the development of innovations by combining various resources and expertise, harnessing the community's potential to drive positive change.
European governments have traditionally succeeded in implementing social innovation ecosystems by supporting collaborations between the private sector, NGOs, and universities. The private sector often provides funding and operational support, NGOs focus on addressing real problems in local communities, and universities, as centers of knowledge and research, contribute the necessary scientific and research innovations. These tripartite collaborations not only help address social challenges like unemployment, inequality, and climate change, but also leverage technological innovations to improve people's lives.
One successful example of this collaborative model is the social innovation projects in the city of Milan. Recognized as a leading center of social innovation in Europe, Milan prioritizes joint projects between universities, companies, and NGOs.
In Milan, projects like the "Milan Social Innovation Platform" serve as successful examples of collaboration across various sectors. This platform, aimed at empowering citizens and establishing a foundation for sustainable innovation, works closely with prestigious universities, NGOs, and technology companies. One successful project of this platform is "MiGenerationLab," which focuses on empowering young people and creating innovative job opportunities for them.
In this project, private companies take on the role of investing and executing initiatives, universities provide the necessary education and training programs, and NGOs guide vulnerable groups and young people, injecting real social innovation into the community. These collaborations have led to solutions that reduce youth unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, and increase social engagement.
The social innovation projects in Milan have had a profound impact on the daily lives of its citizens. For example, joint educational programs between universities and NGOs offer young people the opportunity to acquire new and updated market skills, thereby reducing youth unemployment rates. Additionally, collaboration between technology companies and universities in developing smart solutions for waste and energy management has resulted in cost savings and increased efficiency in the city of Milan.
Another key project in the city is the "Local Innovation Network," which, through extensive collaboration between the private sector, universities, and NGOs, addresses environmental and climate-related issues. This network uses new technologies and social participation methods to reduce waste production, increase recycling, and optimize natural resource use. These efforts have not only improved the urban environment but have also educated citizens on sustainable living models.
As a successful example of tripartite collaboration in developing social innovations, the city of Milan has provided a valuable model for other cities and countries. This collaborative model between the private sector, NGOs, and universities, by creating practical solutions for social and environmental challenges, has played a vital role in improving the quality of life for citizens. This experience shows that to create sustainable change in society, convergence and synergy between different sectors are needed, and social innovation can act as a powerful tool in this path.