Empowering Education for Change: Discover the EU-SIDE Desk Research Report on Social Innovation

How can education better equip learners to navigate and transform an increasingly complex world? The EU-SIDE project is proud to announce the publication of its new desk research report, offering timely insights into the role of social innovation in education across Europe.

As education systems face growing expectations to respond to societal challenges such as social inequality, sustainability transitions, digitalisation, and community well-being, social innovation is gaining importance as a powerful approach for change. This new report explores how education can move beyond knowledge transmission to actively contribute to more inclusive, democratic, and sustainable societies.

The research draws on a systematic review of academic literature, European policy frameworks, and national reports from EU-SIDE partner countries. It provides a comprehensive overview of how social innovation is conceptualised in education and how it connects to key European priorities, including democratic participation, inclusion, and lifelong learning.

A central focus of the report is the identification of competencies teachers need to foster social innovation. The findings highlight a multidimensional set of skills that combine cognitive, social, and action-oriented elements. These include system thinking, creativity and problem-solving, collaboration and networking, ethical and democratic awareness, and the capacity to translate ideas into meaningful social action.

In addition, the report emphasises the importance of pedagogical approaches that support these competencies in practice. Participatory and experiential learning methods, such as project-based learning, problem-based learning, design thinking, and collaboration with community partners, are identified as key drivers for developing socially engaged and active learners.

Importantly, this desk research lays the foundation for the development of a European competence framework for social innovation in teacher education. By linking competencies to observable behaviours, pedagogical strategies, and existing European frameworks, the report offers valuable guidance for teacher educators, policymakers, and educational institutions.

With this publication, EU-SIDE contributes to ongoing European discussions on how education can empower both teachers and learners to become active agents of change.

Curious to learn more? Explore the full report and discover how you can bring social innovation into your own educational practice.

Uploading of the desk research report: