A unique and relevant innovation alliance for social innovation and change
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Malmö universitet |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 932 456 |
| Project duration | December 2018 - November 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Social innovation - Challenge-driven innovation |
| Call | Ett stärkt innovationsstöd för social innovation |
Purpose and goal
The ASIF project stems from the need to test and develop a new approach to innovation and entrepreneurship, one that is based on societal needs and challenges, with a particular focus on academic and research-based solutions. The project aimed to establish a broad network of actors spanning all sectors. The short term goal was to engage a number of key stakeholders in this cross-sectoral network, developing skills and knowledge as relates to social innovation, for example through the development of new practical methods and approaches.
Expected results and effects
A key project outcome is the development of a new method (’Collaboration Challenge’) where academia uses innovative approaches to strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration, including the involvement of citizens, to achieve societal impact. A small cross-sectoral network has been founded, noting particular interest from the not for profit sector. The project published a report on social entrepreneurship certification and strenghtened knowledge on impact measurement. The expected longer term outcome is a robust approach to societal impact of research-led social innovation.
Planned approach and implementation
ASIF was a wide ranging and ambitious project, significantly impacted by the pandemic. Necessary and drastic adjustments to activities led to unexpected learnings, such as the opportunity for broadened participation brought by a complete conversion to digital, as well as the hampering effect that the inability to meet in person has on establishing new relationships. The project has produced an inventive method to drive societal impact of research-led social innovation, with learnings around the importance of clarity of intention to facilitate meaningful external collaboration.