Social innovation (SI) is pivotal in addressing complex societal challenges driven by technological, demographic, and geopolitical change. Because SI is context-dependent, grounded in collective action, and guided by a shared-value purpose, it requires multi-actor collaboration for effective design and implementation. However, the structural configurations of Social Innovation Ecosystems (SIEs) remain underexplored. This paper analyzes 220 collaborative projects under Horizon Europe (2021–2027), involving 240 NUTS 2 regions. Using network analysis, we examine how Horizon Europe serves as a regional catalyst for SI by offering financial support, facilitating knowledge exchange, and promoting a collaborative culture. Our findings elucidate the macro- and micro-structure of the collaborative architecture associated with an emerging European SIE, highlighting central and peripheral regions, thematic specialization patterns, and drivers of cross-regional and cross-sectoral collaboration. In doing so, we contribute to the emerging discourse on SIEs and their role in driving transformative social change.
Ferrer‐Serrano et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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