Social Innovation Platform (SIP) is an initiative developed by the Center for Training and Consultancy (CTC) that aims to support development of innovative ideas focusing on social changes. The program is oriented at supporting young social change makers in Georgia to launch and initiate innovative and sustainable solutions. The project is committed to shifting the paradigm of innovation from economic growth to one that generates public and social value. Social Value is created when resources, inputs, processes or policies are combined to generate improvements in the lives of individuals, groups or society as a whole.
Undoubtedly, Georgia has made tremendous economic progress in the last couple of decades, attributing to factors like liberalized trade, upgraded infrastructure and strengthened public finances, among others. However, despite these achievements, many complex social and environmental challenges such as ageing population, exclusion of ethnic minorities from mainstream socio-economic activities, gender inequality, high out-migration, high unemployment, poverty, a traditional approach to education, underdeveloped human capital, and vulnerability to climate change and natural disaster remain. Besides, the socio-economic repercussions of the fall of the Soviet system are still prevalent.
On the other hand, the unconditional focus on open-market and economic production is leaving out the other essential aspects of well-being, which are equally important in creating an equal, just and peaceful society. Similarly, limited access to finance, quality education, and skill enhancement opportunities have prevented many Georgians from having a better life. They have affected their critical thinking ability and creativity in finding better alternatives.
Therefore, these growing issues require new and innovative types of solutions by private actors. We believe that these solutions could be found with interdisciplinary methodologies combining the essence of business, innovation and technology with an entrepreneurial approach to design such solutions and leading to sustainable outcomes. That is why CTC has initiated Social Innovative Platform (SIP), which would support “Social Innovators” in finding novel and sustainable solutions. These are the people who we consider “a new generation of civil society actors who are driven to address the systemic problems facing the world today.”
Our approach is based on consolidating three concepts – social enterprise, social entrepreneurship and social innovation. The three concepts reflect the nuances of ‘change agents’ with the mission of addressing social unjust. They are interrelated and interwoven.
They work in tandem because they are all bound by the belief that social change is vital to create a society in which everyone prospers through the creation of social value.
SIP is open to those who want to challenge social issues, who feel a sense of social responsibility, or who have ideas for change. In essence, an individual, a civil society organization (CSO), or a community-based organization (CBO) can be a part of SIP. All they need is a relevant idea and the willingness to develop a sustainable business model.
The project aims to create the appropriate environment and ecosystem that is necessary for social innovations to develop. We realize that it can only happen if there is adequate human resource, technologies, knowledge, and financial capabilities.
With that in mind, SIP will support socially-minded people in exploring and developing innovative approaches to address societal challenges by providing:
Platform offers supporting mechanisms:
1. The web portal www.socialinnovation.ge combines and offers theoretical and practical educational and informational resources related to social innovations to interested persons. The platform features self-paced online courses on social entrepreneurship, social enterprise, and social innovation, as interesting news, articles, blogs, and videos.
2. https://www.facebook.com/socialinnovation.ge is a communication channel with the platform community. Its purpose is to inform and stimulate the interested public about social innovation and entrepreneurship and the platform’s activities.
3.The Social Innovation Accelerator is a mechanism for supporting specific social innovations. Accelerator participants are selected through a competition. Those involved will have access to various teaching, mentoring, and consulting opportunities to develop their initial innovative ideas. Based on the internal competition, the best projects are revealed and they will be given initial funding for the development of start-ups. Even after the transfer of funding, the platform actively cooperates with social innovators. Assists in management and administration issues provide industry consultancy and help in finding additional supporters and funds.
