Engaging in the Future of Social Innovation: Our Participation at ISIRC 2024

The ISIRC Conference: A Platform for Thoughtful Exchange

ISIRC is an annual academic conference that fosters dialogue on social innovation, drawing participants from fields such as social work, management, technology, education, sociology, and beyond. This year's conference focused on addressing pressing societal challenges, such as climate change and inequality, through a cross-disciplinary lens. Prominent contributors to social innovation research, including Sophie Bacq, Johanna Mair, Flor Avelino, and Gorgi Krlev, offered their perspectives on how the field is evolving and where it may head in the future.

We are appreciative of the efforts by the Bern University of Applied Sciences to organize an event that promoted both intellectual exchange and practical discussions. The conference provided a valuable space for participants to share knowledge, receive feedback, and consider new ideas for advancing social innovation research and practice.

CSI-HSG Contributions: Research Highlights

At ISIRC 2024, the CSI-HSG team presented research addressing different aspects of social innovation. Each of these contributions added to the broader conversation about how social innovation can support sustainable development and positive societal impact.

Rahel Steinmann presented her research, which focuses on developing a model for creating impact through multistakeholder cross-sector partnerships in development contexts. Her work draws on two case studies to explore how organizations from different sectors can collaborate to tackle shared challenges. The presentation contributed to ongoing discussions about effective models for fostering collaboration and sustainable development.

Tobias Fehr-Bosshard shared insights from his work as an action researcher involved in sustainability initiatives at the University of St. Gallen. His presentation introduced a framework, which combines elements of robust action theory, action research, and grounded theory methods. The framework provides an approach for researchers aiming to engage in social change initiatives while maintaining academic rigor. His work invited reflections on how researchers can navigate the challenges of balancing theoretical foundations with practical relevance in social innovation research.

Dino Darmonski presented preliminary insights from his research on stakeholder participation and co-creation in climate action. His research, based on two case studies, looks at how different stakeholders can work together to address climate-related challenges. The feedback and suggestions received from fellow researchers provided useful perspectives for refining this work.

Reflecting on the Conference Experience

For the CSI-HSG team, ISIRC 2024 was not only an opportunity to present research but also to engage in valuable discussions with colleagues from various fields. The conference fostered a collaborative environment, allowing us to exchange ideas and perspectives on social innovation while gaining feedback on our own projects. These interactions helped to deepen our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field.

We are grateful for the chance to participate in such a well-organized event, and we look forward to building on the insights and connections formed during the conference as we continue our work at CSI-HSG.

Attending ISIRC 2024 provided the CSI-HSG team with a platform to share our research and contribute to broader conversations about social innovation. We extend our appreciation to the organizers at the Bern University of Applied Sciences and to all the participants who offered their insights and feedback. As we move forward, we remain committed to conducting research that addresses important societal challenges, informed by the discussions and collaborations fostered at the conference.

Photo credit: Paula Angelica da Silva Pel