Around 300 delegates from 34 different countries are attending the 11th International Social Innovation Research Conference.
Hosted by the Yunus Centre at GCU, in conjunction with the universities of Oxford, York, and Swinburne, with the support of the Scottish Government, ISIRC 2019 attracted a record number of submissions from all over the world.
The conference, which runs for three days, coincides with Social Enterprise Week and features keynote speeches from social innovation leaders, including Professor Jürgen Howaldt, of Dortmund University, Dr Helen Haugh, of the University of Cambridge, and GCU’s Professor Simon Teasdale.
Professor Pamela Gillies, GCU principal and vice-chancellor, said: “Hosting ISIRC 2019 further confirms Glasgow Caledonian University’s position as a global leader of social innovation.
“As the University for the Common Good, we strive to empower individuals and groups to make a lasting difference to people’s lives through our pioneering research and outreach work in the communities we serve both at home and abroad.”
Opening the conference, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell MSP told delegates: “With Brexit and austerity, we need to show leadership in Scotland and look at ways we can innovate to mitigate the challenges we face.
“We value our academic partners here at Glasgow Caledonian University, the University for the Common Good, and our vibrant third sector and social economy.”
Dr Artur Steiner, GCU reader in social entrepreneurship, said: “There is a growing number of people who want to do something good for their communities, they want to do something good for others.
“Social innovation aims to tackle social challenges in creative ways. Very often it’s about bringing entrepreneurial solutions and empowering local communities.”
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