About
About
Who we are
Greek National Competence Center for Social Innovation
The Greek National Competence Centre for Social Innovation (GNCCSI) is supported by the ESF+ Social Innovation+ initiative. The Centre emphasises the importance of connecting actors from different sectors around ideas that genuinely work and bring positive change at system level.
We focus on strengthening a dynamic ecosystem, staying close to the field and keeping knowledge exchange with other countries active, as well as on strengthening public administration through capacity building and pilot approaches.
During the first phase of the project, a sample of social innovation activities in Greece revealed a fragmented but varied ecosystem with enormous potential to address social issues effectively. Challenges in employment, education and inclusion were addressed in various areas including climate change, circular economy and culture that the GNCCSI adopted to widen its scope.
Our Goals
The goals of the GNCCSI are to nurture and strengthen the Greek SI ecosystem through:
- strengthening the Greek SI ecosystem with training programs
- supporting public/regional administration with pilot and portfolio approaches
- delivering capacity building training for both public administration and civil society organisations
- connecting stakeholders across sectors to collaborate fruitfully
- enabling access to funding for social innovation initiatives
- developing appropriate social impact assessment frameworks for SI policies and ventures
- acting as Transnational reference point, collaborating with European and national institutions in shaping social innovation strategies and policies
services
The National Competence Centre for Social Innovation (GNCCSI) offers
01
Training
for the Greek Social Innovation ecosystem
02
Public Administration
Support and empowerment on Social Innovation matters
03
Capacity building
e.g. for civil society organisations
04
Stakeholder networking
05
Social Innovation strategy and policy development
in cooperation with national and European institutions
Explore the core
For more about the SEED2SCALE project and the European Competence Center for Social Innovation, explore the links below.
SEED2SCALE is one of the five projects supported by the European Commission in order to activate 5 National Competence Centers for Social Innovation (NCCs) in the following countries: Croatia, Greece, Italy, Romania and Slovenia.
It is a continuation of the SEED project (2021-2023) developed in four of these states (all except Croatia). The ambition of SEED2SCALE is to reach a more mature stage of National Competence Centres for Social Innovation with a defined legal framework and effective governance and business models.
The European Competence Centre for Social Innovation, part of the European Social Fund Plus Social Innovation+ initiative, aims to speed up the adoption and expansion of proven innovative solutions in employment, education, and social inclusion.
With the budget of €198 million allocated for the 2021-2027 programming period, the Centre fosters a more socially inclusive Europe by aligning with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and facilitating fair, green, and digital transitions.
Partners
The Greek Competence Center for Social Innovation was founded by the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), the MSCF – Directorate of Social and Solidarity Economy / Ministry for Social Cohesion and Family, AN.KA. S.A. – Development Agency of Karditsa, UnivSSE Coop, SED Consultants PC, Kollektiva – For Social Innovation and Culture, Electra Energy Social Coop, HIGGS – Higher Incubator Giving Growth & Sustainability, and the Association of Social and Solidarity Economy of South Aegean. P2P Lab – Research Organisation for the Commons & Peer2Peer Practices participates as an associate partner.
Our impact in numbers
FAQ
Find answers to commonly asked questions about competence center.
What is the GNCCSI?
The GNCCSI is a national hub that supports the development, scaling, and recognition of social innovation by providing knowledge, capacity building, collaboration, and policy support, while strengthening the social innovation ecosystem and facilitating the implementation of innovative solutions to address societal challenges.
What is social innovation?
There is no universally accepted definition of ‘Social Innovation’, however, according to the ESF+, ‘social innovation’ means an activity, that is social both as to its ends and its means and in particular an activity which relates to the development and implementation of new ideas concerning products, services, practices and models, that simultaneously meets social needs and creates new social relationships or collab orations between public, civil society or private organisations, thereby benefiting society and boosting its capacity to act.
Source: REGULATION (EU) 2021/1057
What is a social innovation activity?
A social innovation activity is an initiative that develops, tests, implements, or scales new or improved solutions to social challenges while fostering social relationships, cooperation and creating social value.
How can social innovation be supported?
A stable environment favourable to the development of Social Innovation can be supported through the actions of many actors, such as, for example
- Private companies, e.g. through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes
- Foundations and other philanthropic organisations
- Social impact funds
- Crowdfunding
- Sponsorships (e.g. from banking institutions, etc.)
- National and European co-funding programmes
Cooperation between actors who create a favourable environment for the development of Social Innovation is an important factor, highlighting the application of the quadruple helix model.
Who does the NCC support?
The Greek National Competence Centre engages with and supports
- Social Innovation ventures and promoters
- Social and Solidarity Economy SSE actors
- Other stakeholders (civil society organisations, venture philanthropy , academia, industry)
- National/regional ESF+ Managing Authorities and other interested public/regional/local sector authorities
- The European Commission, the European Social Innovation Competence Centre, and the NCCs of EU Member States
Why do we need a competence center for social innovation?
A hub with national reach can strengthen the social innovation ecosystem by offering knowledge, support and opportunities for cooperation. In doing so, it promotes synergies between the actors of the quadruple helix and the development of innovative solutions to social challenges.
How does the GNCCSI contribute to national policy?
The GNCCSI contributes by coordinating stakeholders, supporting pilot, innovative approaches and offering evidence-based recommendations for improving existing systems. At the same time, it acts as a channel bringing European policies and actions to the Greek ecosystem, supporting the development of national policy.
Have questions?
Let’s talk!
We’re here to listen, answer your questions and explore opportunities together.
