Social Innovation
About Social Innovation
Social innovation refers to new ideas and methods of action that offer improved solutions to social problems and challenges, ultimately making communities and societies more effective and resilient.
It is a cross-sectoral mindset for developing and implementing new initiatives. Social innovations are creative solutions that generate new value, foster collaboration, create lasting impact, and enhance people’s well-being.
An English-language podcast interview with Dr. Debbi Brock, a leader in learning for systems change at Catalyst 2030, introduces the concept of social innovation. Catalyst 2030 is a global movement of social change innovators. This recording was made at the National Foundation of Civil Society (NFCS) in April 2022 as part of the project “Best Collaborative Practices for Designing and Implementing Ideas in Civil Society Organisations”, made possible with funding from the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF).
How are NFCS and social innovation connected?
From 2021 to 2023, the National Foundation of Civil Society was a partner in the EU-funded project “Establishment of a Social Innovation Competence Centre (SIKK)” in Estonia. The project included a local network of policymakers, experts, and practitioners in the field of social innovation.
As part of this initiative, a vision document for social innovation in Estonia was created. The document outlines how the mindset of social innovation can be introduced in Estonia. It highlights the importance of a shared understanding among stakeholders regarding the opportunities in social innovation and social entrepreneurship. You can explore the vision document and project materials [here].
NFCS continues to promote social innovation and civil society development to support sustainable and impactful change in Estonia. Current projects include:
Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme
“Supporting Social Inclusion” (2024–2028)
NFCS’s role in this programme is to foster the development of social innovation and, through that, strengthen civil society and the capacity for social cohesion. Planned activities will help raise awareness among stakeholders about how to approach social challenges through social innovation.
Co-funded by the Swiss Confederation to reduce economic and social disparities within the European Union.
Social Innovation Competence Centre Development Project (SIKK 2.0)
This project aims to enhance the capacity of Estonia’s Social Innovation Competence Centre and its network, while strengthening collaboration within the social innovation ecosystem.
Key goals include the development of a strategic plan for the competence centre, conducting various studies, and advancing international cooperation.
The project runs from 2024 to 2027 and is funded by the European Union. It supports capacity-building in social innovation across Germany, Luxembourg, Estonia, and the Netherlands. The project provides innovative approaches for addressing social and economic challenges by engaging civil society and other organisations.
Evelyn Valtin
Lead for the Social Innovation Component
Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme – “Supporting Social Inclusion”
📞 +372 513 3656
📧 Evelyn.Valtin@kysk.ee
Elmo Puidet
Coordinator for Social Innovation Sub-Activities
Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme
📞 +372 506 3306
📧 Elmo.Puidet@kysk.ee
Sandra Paulus
Coordinator for Social Innovation Sub-Activities
Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme
📞 +372 523 2883
📧 Sandra.Paulus@kysk.ee
Marju Mäger
Project Lead
Social Innovation Competence Centre Development
📞 +372 5199 3282
📧 Marju.Mager@kysk.ee
Maris Praats
Communication Lead for Social Innovation
Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme – “Supporting Social Inclusion”
📞 +372 5556 0018
📧 Maris.Praats@kysk.ee
Tea Jänes
Coordinator for the NULA Programme
Coordinator for the Civil Society Growth Grant Programme
📞 +372 5622 1599
📧 Tea.Janes@kysk.ee