Social Innovation at The Swedish Church
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | STOCKHOLMS STIFT |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 800 000 |
| Project duration | December 2017 - February 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Social innovation - Challenge-driven innovation |
| Call | Social innovation - Challenge-driven innovation 2017 |
Purpose and goal
The purpose of this project for Swedish Church was to create models that reduce unemployment among newly arrived low-educated women in socio-economically vulnerable areas. The aim of the project was to develop ward-based, church-friendly and inspirational business models that are socially sustainable and help to integrate women into the labor market. All involved actors, together, have created a springboard that leads individuals forward to self-sufficiency and empowerment, thereby increasing their socio-economic participation and inclusion in the local community.
Expected results and effects
The project has generated a models for diconal entrepreneurship. Clear effects are: -An increased commitment to newly arrived low-educated women. outside the traditional church context. -An increased local collaboration with other actors outside the church. -Multiple tools for collaboration between the congregation and the diocese -An increased insight into the diocese´s own organization, on the complex nature of the issue.
Planned approach and implementation
The project was carried out in parallel in 3 parishes. Based on the local conditions, three local processes were carried out on the theme of diaconal entrepreneurship. and generated a common image of the local target audience. We then verified the opportunities and each congregation / pastorate turned it into its own local entrepreneurial effort. The target group has been involved in the process from the beginning.