The ERA Chair in Social Innovation at NOVA SBE aims to strengthen the European Research Area by focusing on three main areas:

Research

Our research focuses on collaboration – in the context of cross-sector partnerships, open innovation and co-creation – to uncover the conditions which trigger and nurture social innovation supporting sustainable development.

Education

We aim to leverage design thinking, experiential learning and project-based learning to provide NOVA SBE students with learning opportunities to explore further their aspirations for social change and impact. Through courses, events, and projects, we invite students to ideate, experiment, and collaborate among different majors at NOVA SBE and beyond – with other schools, across disciplines as well as with professionals, local communities, and other stakeholders.

Community Engagement - DESIS Lab

We aim to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including local communities and social innovators, to support their efforts in tackling grand challenges. Collaboration includes providing knowledge, training, feedback and resources.