HashNet is proud to announce its proposal to collaborate on a transformative initiative aimed at establishing National Competence Centers for Social Innovation. This ambitious project is part of a European Commission call, which was recently introduced at an event in Portugal. We eagerly anticipate the official publication of this call and are fully committed to contributing to its success.
Building on Proven Expertise
Over the past two years, HashNet, in partnership with Cotrugli Business School, has actively participated in the SEED project (https://www.seedeuproject.eu), which brought together Italy, Slovenia, Romania, and Greece. This project facilitated numerous impactful activities, furthering the development of social innovations across these regions. While some project reports are still under preparation, the results achieved thus far highlight the potential for cross-border collaboration in advancing social innovation.
Leveraging Our Strengths
Cotrugli Business School is widely recognized for its excellence in business management education, digitalization, and social innovation. Its director in Slovenia, Tadej Slapnik, has a distinguished track record in developing national policies on social entrepreneurship and promoting social economy initiatives. His work has spanned from shaping Slovenia’s national legislation to contributing to the EU’s social economy strategy, making him an invaluable asset to this initiative.
Our Vision and Objectives
Our primary objective is to establish a Croatian-led consortium, including the Ministry of Labour, alongside partners from Italy, Slovenia, Greece, and Romania. Together, we will aim to secure funding and support from the European Commission to develop these Competence Centers. Through this initiative, we intend to:
- Strengthen the social economy ecosystem in Croatia and beyond.
- Enhance collaboration between key stakeholders, including government bodies, local communities, and businesses.
- Develop innovative solutions that address pressing social challenges.
Our collaboration with European representatives and key figures, such as the Director of the EU Competence Center for Social Innovation, positions us strongly to deliver a compelling project proposal.
Innovative Digital Support from HashNet
As part of the SEED project, HashNet successfully developed the national platform https://disi-lab.si—a Social Innovation Laboratory—which has become a vital tool for connecting stakeholders and facilitating social innovation in Slovenia. We propose to replicate and customize this platform for Croatia, providing a comprehensive digital infrastructure to:
- Foster knowledge sharing and collaboration among social innovators.
- Provide tools and resources for implementing social innovation projects.
- Support ministries, local governments, and businesses in promoting sustainable social innovations.
Representation in Portugal
At the event in Portugal where this initiative was introduced, Ana Kapusta and Iva Kapusta actively participated, presenting HashNet’s capabilities and projects. Their presentations highlighted our proven track record in social innovation and digital solutions, further showcasing HashNet’s commitment to driving sustainable development through innovative technologies.
Looking Ahead
HashNet is excited about the opportunity to contribute to this vital initiative, which has the potential to bring significant social and economic benefits. By leveraging our expertise and proven solutions, we aim to support the growth of a robust and sustainable social innovation ecosystem in Croatia and the wider region. Stay tuned for updates as we work towards realizing this ambitious vision.
