Social innovation is gaining momentum across Europe, and Croatia is an active part of this transformation. As a member of the EU Community of Practice (CoP) on Social Innovation, the Croatian Competence Centre contributes to shaping innovative solutions that address key societal challenges.
Croatia’s Centre of Competence for Social Innovation actively participates in the EU Community of Practice (CoP) to strengthen cooperation, exchange practices, and shape future strategies for social innovation within the ESF+ framework. In early 2025, Croatian representatives presented the current state of the national social innovation ecosystem and the development of their Competence Centre at a CoP event in Vilnius.
The EU CoP on Social Innovation brings together a diverse network of key stakeholders — ESF+ managing authorities, National Competence Centres (NCCs), social innovation validators, NGOs, and EU institutions — with the goal of enhancing capacities to program, manage, and scale social innovations across Europe. The Croatian Centre contributes by sharing emerging practices, supporting capacity-building efforts, and engaging in mutual learning.
Croatia’s presentation in Vilnius focused on progress in ecosystem-building, showcasing practical examples from the field and outlining steps taken to formalize the national support structure for social innovation. Together with other Member States, Croatian representatives participated in knowledge exchange on models for scaling impact, integrated funding, and cooperation between managing bodies and NCCs.
This year’s CoP programme includes six thematic events (both online and on-site), ranging from workshops on multi-fund approaches to study visits in countries with established innovation models. These gatherings enable peer learning, promote the replication of good practices, and inform future ESF+ programming beyond 2027.
By taking an active role, the Croatian Centre contributes to advancing social innovation as a tool for inclusive and sustainable societal transformation. Through CoP participation, it gains strategic insight and practical tools to empower local actors and initiatives.
All interested stakeholders are invited to join the Community of Practice and take part in shaping Europe’s future through social innovation.
Join here: https://socialinnovationplus.eu/cop/social-innovation/
