Позитивные изменения. Том 3, № 3 (2023). Positive changes. Volume 3, Issue 3 (2023)

MODEL 3: “NATIONAL NETWORK FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION DEVELOPMENT”

This model represents a collaboration between universities, various industries, and the government aimed at fostering social innovation. The core concept of this model is that universities serve as hubs for development and incorporate various social projects into their activities that have the potential to address social issues and generate new social innovations. They provide training, conduct research, and apply academic knowledge to advance these projects.

The “National Network for Social Innovation Development” model works to establish close interactions between universities, industries, and the government. Universities receive support and funding from governmental and industrial sources to implement their social projects. In return, the government and industries gain access to innovative solutions and the expertise available at universities.

This model also entails the creation of infrastructure such as innovation centers, technology parks, incubators, and accelerators, to promote social innovation by supporting social entrepreneurs and their projects. These facilities provide resources, expertise, and guidance necessary for the successful implementation of social innovation.

In this model, universities from various regions of the country collaborate to jointly address social issues and develop innovative solutions. Such a network can engage in collaborative research, organize training programs and conferences, and initiate joint projects aimed at tackling specific social challenges.

An illustrative example is the Forum for Social Innovation[150] hosted by Malmö University, Sweden, in cooperation with the City of Malmö, the Scania Region, and the European Regional Development Fund. The publicly funded Forum serves as a national platform for social innovation and social entrepreneurship. It provides and disseminates information and initiates research and development projects.

The primary objective of the Forum is to actively monitor developments in innovation at national and international levels, and to facilitate knowledge exchange and utilization. Through collaboration with stakeholders from academia, private industry, government, and non-profit organizations, the Forum seeks to build capacity for innovation and ideas that address social challenges. Additionally, it aims to bring together new groups of partners from academia, business, nonprofits, and government agencies that support the advancement of social innovation. Since its establishment in 2010, the Forum has expanded to most of Sweden.