During the last decade there has been a surge of interest in social innovation as a way to achieve sustainable economic growth. Scotland is recognised globally for its pioneering work in this area.

Why Glasgow?

•Over the next 15 years, Glasgow’s metropolitan population will grow at a faster rate than in Lisbon, Helsinki and Amsterdam, and as fast as New York, Los Angeles and Paris.

•Glasgow has access to 43% of Scotland’s population (2.3m) within a 1 hour commute.

•Glasgow is the 4th most productive city in the UK by GDP per capita.

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has pioneered the integration of social innovation as a pivotal element of its ‘Common Good’ mission. In recognition of this, the University became the first university in Scotland to be designated a Changemaker Campus by Ashoka U.

Working closely with international development organisations, government and civil society stakeholders in the UK, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, GCU takes a global lead in the delivery of action research that will improve policy, development and critical insights into climate justice.

Over the last three years, and with EU awards totalling €4.5 million, the University has developed a portfolio of over 20 projects specifically dedicated to international capacity building.

The work of GCU has led to significant policy impact at home and overseas, including the development of Scotland’s 10 Year Social Enterprise Strategy and the national Strategy for Internationalising Social Enterprise.