Integration of Social Innovation Ecosystems in Four European Countries

This paper examines the integration of social innovation in Europe, facilitated by the EU-funded CHESS Project, which aims to construct ecosystems capable of addressing complex societal challenges. It delves into both the theoretical and practical aspects of social innovation ecosystems, using a comprehensive framework that encompasses norms, structures, roles, and functions to decode the dynamics within these systems. The study includes participatory action research and the testing and refinement of innovation tools designed to bolster collaboration among a diverse array of stakeholders in Slovenia, Italy, Lithuania, and Greece. This research outlines the process of tool selection, application, and evaluation through multiple phases of experimentation and reflection with the aim of creating a sustainable ecosystem that connects social actors and fosters lasting social change across Europe. The overarching goal is to develop robust social innovation ecosystems that not only interlinks diverse social actors but also sustains significant and lasting socialtransformation.