The Social Innovation Market: exploring promising practices from the Social Innovation Match database 

This year, a unique initiative was launched, inviting stakeholders to nominate promising practices from the Social Innovation Match (SIM) database for the opportunity to showcase their work at the Social Innovation Forum 2024.  

The practices in the SIM database had already undergone a rigorous validation process by designated national and EU-level validators. The validation process, guided by the Validators’ Checklist, ensured that each case study met stringent criteria, including the scope of the problem addressed, the approach and methodology used, key results and benefits, and the potential for scaling up and transfer. This process guaranteed transparency and consistent evaluation across all initiatives.  

As a result, 69 nominations from 19 EU countries were received, leading to the participation of more than 30 social innovators at the Social Innovation Forum 2024, with five of them presenting on stage.  

The first two promising practices focus on making a real impact by helping individuals integrate into the labour market through innovative approaches:  

Salary Instead of Pocket Money empowers people with disabilities in Austria by offering personalised small-group training. The programme builds essential skills such as self-confidence, job readiness, and public transport navigation, while creating tailored action plans for each participant.  

The Craftsmen Design sets a new standard in vocational education for woodworking. It guides students through the entire production process—from design to delivery—using a blend of collaborative teaching and multimedia resources to enhance learning.  

Two additional social innovations aim to improve the well-being of vulnerable populations through accessible support services and community-driven initiatives:  

The Zekki Digital Self-Assessment Tool supports young people’s well-being through a mobile-friendly platform. Zekki helps users assess their situation, find encouragement, and connect with support services, making it easier for youth to reflect and seek help.  

Just a Change was founded in response to the housing crisis, focusing on renovating homes for those in need. The programme uses three different volunteer-based models to serve various communities and locations, each with a distinct purpose.  

The fifth social innovation, TimeBank Ireland, reimagines volunteerism by encouraging those who receive support to recognise their potential and give back. This model empowers vulnerable communities to engage more actively, encouraging a sense of contribution and connection.  

The Social Innovation Forum 2024 serves as an exclusive platform for strengthening cooperation among EU countries. To enhance this collaboration, the European Commission, in partnership with the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation, has initiated the Social Innovation Market.  

This dedicated space will bring together a diverse group of participants, including social innovators, ESF+ Managing Authorities, representatives from the European Commission, scientists, lecturers, and experts. Thus, it is an ideal place for exchanging ideas, fostering mutual learning, capacity building, and networking.  

During the Social Innovation Market, over 30 social innovators will have the opportunity to share both theoretical ideas and practical insights, drawing directly from their experiences leading various social innovation projects. These innovations focus on diverse target groups, such as individuals with disabilities, the long-term unemployed, vulnerable youth, especially young people not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEETs), those facing poverty or social exclusion, and individuals with compromised mental health or well-being. The thematic areas these projects cover include active inclusion and employability, equal access to education, training, and social services, and the social integration of at-risk populations.

Additionally, the SI Market will highlight efforts to address material deprivation, integrate marginalised communities, improve education and training systems, and modernise social protection frameworks, all contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society.   

We invite you to discover more promising practices on Social Innovation Match (SIM) and get inspired by the determination and achievements of the social innovators behind them!