Positioning Nova SBE as the European Hub in Social Innovation Research through the ERA Chair

ongoing

SOCIALinNOVA-HUB aims to position Nova School of Business & Economics (Nova SBE) as the European-based hub in Social Innovation Research, taking advantage of the Portuguese credibility and frontrunner position in the implementation of Social Innovation initiatives at the EU level, and the School’s strong involvement in such initiatives. This project is fully aligned with Nova SBE’s mission to be a community dedicated to the development of talent and knowledge that impacts the world. Social Innovation brings new ideas – products, services, models – that simultaneously meet social needs and create new social relationships or collaborations. They are not only good for society but also enhance society’s capacity to act. However, research in this emerging field is still scarce and fragmented, though in the last decade there has been an effort towards theoretical clarification and methodological advancement. The project allows the recruitment of an internationally recognized leader in the field, and an associated team, to set up this new research line while implementing structural changes at Nova SBE. The ERA Chair will: 1) position Nova SBE as a reference in Social Innovation Research; 2) position Nova SBE as a leading institution in Social Innovation Education; 3) co-create, with the community, Social Innovation initiatives to tackle grand challenges; 4) foster interdisciplinary research; 5) develop internal processes to consolidate R&I excellence in a sustainable way, while contributing to strengthen the European Research Area; and 6) expand Nova SBE’s research and business communities networks internationally. With the ERA Chair, Nova SBE will increase its research capacity, international visibility and competitiveness, while empowering the local and European Social Innovation community towards knowledge-driven initiatives that will contribute for the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.