In today’s rapidly evolving world, we face unprecedented societal challenges – social and economic inequality, climate change, unemployment, and technological disruptions, among others. These complex issues call for critical thinking perspectives and innovative solutions. Against this background, social innovation stands out as a crucial catalyst for addressing these challenges and fostering new strategies and sustainable solutions that traditional methods often overlook.
The constant demand for innovative and sustainable solutions is closely linked to the necessity of defining and developing new skills. This need has become increasingly evident and is essential for making a significant impact. By thoroughly exploring and cultivating these skills, social innovators can drive meaningful social change and become influential agents of transformation. Join us in this course to acquire the essential skills every social innovator needs to make a lasting difference in the world.
This course aims to provide participants with an introductory knowledge and global understanding of concepts, processes and crosscutting issues that concerns social innovation. In particular, it will explore the intersection of social innovation, societal challenges, and the development of new skills. The course emphasises social innovation as a catalyst for change while fostering future skills, including cognitive, managerial, and entrepreneurial ones, in close connection with the impact of emerging technologies, like AI, and sustainability transition on the labour market. Throughout the module, it would be examined the role of social innovator as agents of change originating from various sectors, including public, civil society, private and third sector, considering their characteristics, operating context, and relation with societal sustainable transition. Through these insights, the course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of how social innovation can address societal challenges while nurturing vital skills for the evolving landscape of social change.
Officials and/or professionals working in the public and private sectors, UN Agencies, foundations, cooperatives and NGOs, and international cooperation sector aiming to contribute to positive environmental and societal impact; Social entrepreneurs and third-sector innovators seeking to embed sustainability in their initiatives; People working or interested in social innovation and social entrepreneurship and related research; Recent university graduates from developing and developed countries;
WHAT TOPICS DOES THIS COURSE COVER?
This course equips participants with the skills to emerge as leaders in social innovation. This course will cover the following topics:
WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO?
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:
At the end of the course, an assessment of knowledge and competencies acquired will be undertaken. The successful completion of this assignment will result in an ITCILO Certificate of Achievement.