The WSB University and the Regional Authorities of the Śląskie Voivodeship have signed an agreement, the subject of which is cooperation and collaboration for the development of social innovations in our region. Joint activities cover in particular persons under 30 years of age, over 50 years of age and persons with disabilities. They are the target group of our project.
The event was unprecedentedly held online due to the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2019.
Under this agreement, the WSB University will create a Regional Social Innovation Hub, and the Marshal of the Śląskie Voivodeship will take his patronage and support it with activities implemented in the Department of the European Social Fund of the Marshal’s Office. The Hub’s task will be to support the creation of sustainable forms of business for the representatives of the aforementioned target groups.
– Implementing social innovations is not easy, and is addressed primarily to people. We have extensive experience in implementing technological innovations, while social innovations require a different perspective, primarily based on relationships. At the moment, due to the epidemic threat, it is difficult. – emphasized prof. Zdzisława Dacko-Pikiewicz – Rector of the WSB Academy. Social innovations are always oriented towards changing lives and improving the well-being of people who are in a disadvantaged position, often excluded.
This is another step to strengthen cooperation between the University and Regional Government, as both entities are partners in the IN SITU – Intergenerational Social Innovation Support Scheme project, financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Interreg Central Europe program for 2014-2020.
– I am very happy that we will cooperate, meet and discuss ideas for the next two years. Social economy entities are of particular importance in the Śląskie Voivodeship, they work perfectly and integrate wonderful people. These entities provide value for the environment in which they operate. – added Izabela Domogała – Deputy Marshal of the Śląskie Voivodeship. Social innovations are designed to strengthen interpersonal relationships, which in a situation of current isolation will be of great importance in the future. – said Deputy Marshal Domogała.
The implementation of the project will enable the organization of training, consulting and mentoring for people who want to start a social enterprise that will be run by qualified trainers. The training and consulting program is prepared jointly by 12 project partners, so it will be based on the best practices and experience gathered in Austria, Croatia, Germany, Slovenia, Italy and Poland.
