How do we build the competencies social innovators truly need to drive meaningful, lasting change? This was the central question guiding our interactive, members-only exchange.
Bringing together capacity builders and ecosystem actors from across Europe, the session created space to reflect on how social innovation skills are developed and supported across different roles, education levels, and ecosystems. The discussion was grounded in the European Social Innovation Campus (ESIC) competencies framework and enriched by recent insights on social innovation education.
From Frameworks to Practice
The conversation moved beyond theory, exploring how competencies are cultivated in real-world contexts – from higher education institutions to funding organisations and intermediary support actors. Participants shared concrete examples, challenges, and lessons learned in embedding social innovation skills into programmes, curricula, and organisational practice.
Expert Insights
We were delighted to be joined by:
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Lisa Petersheim, Associate Fund Manager: Learning & Innovation, Rethink Ireland
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Dries Couckuyt, Senior Researcher, Hogeschool Odisee
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Philippe Eiselein, PhD, Senior Researcher, Hogeschool Odisee
Their contributions grounded the discussion in both research and practice, offering valuable perspectives on competency-based approaches, education innovation, and ecosystem development.
A Space for Reflection and Exchange
True to the spirit of Driving Positive Change, the session was not just about presenting insights, but about collective reflection. Members exchanged experiences on how competencies are recognised, strengthened, and sustained – and how we can better align education, funding, and ecosystem support to empower the next generation of social innovators.
Thank you to all who joined and contributed to such a rich and thoughtful discussion. We look forward to continuing the conversation in our upcoming DPC sessions.
