Social Innovation in Focus at EUSAIR Forum: New Ideas to Meet Citizens’ Needs

The main EUSAIR mass event turns its attention to people-centered policies with a dynamic session on “Social Innovation as an Alternative Approach to Address Citizens' Needs” under Pillar 5 – Improved Social Cohesion. As communities across the Adriatic-Ionian region face shifting demographics, rising inequality, and evolving societal challenges, social innovation is emerging as a vital tool to empower citizens and deliver sustainable solutions.

This session explores the European framework for social innovation, its relevance to the region, and how innovative practices can improve quality of life — particularly for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or people with disabilities. Social innovation is already a cross-cutting theme in the EUSAIR Action Plan, spanning digital tools, inclusive tourism, and green technologies.

Chaired by Pillar 5 Coordinator Ms. Dunja Šare, the session will feature high-level insights from Ms. Cristiana Costinescu from European Comission's DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion on the EU’s approach, and Ms. Marianna Kondylidou from SEED2SCALE project and Ms. Stefania Athanasiou from the Hellenic Ministry of Family and Social Cohesion, who will share policy tools and implementation practices.

Moderated by Ms. Rania Oikonomou, the panel will also highlight real-world good practices - from healthy ageing initiatives in Slovenia and inclusive employment models in Croatia’s Humana Nova, to grassroots entrepreneurship projects in Greece.

As the region aims to strengthen collaboration, bridge innovation gaps, and build a resilient social fabric, this session underscores how social innovation can become a powerful engine of cohesion and inclusion in the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region.