by Rachel Collier, CEO and Co-founder of Young Social Innovators

We are an island of innovators. The invention of the submarine is credited to an Irishman, as is the tractor. Carrying on in that tradition, Ireland today ranks in 10th place as one of the world’s most innovative economies, according to the Global Innovation Index.

Innovation drives enterprise , and so it is understandable why innovation is supported and bolstered by initiatives such as Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Startup (HPSU) programme. From the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance to the government ‘innovation vouchers’ being provided to SME’s, there is no shortage of supports to those enterprising individuals who are inspired to build something new. Private supports are also plentiful, with a plethora of programmes such as First Fridays for Startups, a meetup where budding entrepreneurs can speak with mentors.

The potential and ability of the people of Ireland to innovate is clear. There is however not the same support for social innovations and enterprise start ups. That is a big gap. Ireland could and should be a leader in social innovation start ups. It has a great tradition in this space. Such initiatives need more support. There is huge potential for increasing jobs in this area, given support. And it makes sense. Ireland has made a commitment to contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals adopted by 150 countries. Such goals aim to transform our world by 2030 through mobilising efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities, tackle climate change and ensure no one is left behind. This needs focussed investment.

One homegrown example of social innovation which has evolved into a social enterprise comes from Foodcloud, the well-known startup that is working to fight food waste in Ireland through a solution that connects charities such as homeless shelters with surplus food from supermarkets and restaurants. Foodcloud’s success demonstrates the potential of social enterprises, and that potential is increasingly being applauded and supported. With investment, we can create many more jobs which provide social value and contribute to our global commitments.

Innovation for Change

Social innovation is fundamentally about change; change for the good of people, society and the planet.  It might include changes as to how we do things, how we behave, how we collaborate, how we think, how we formulate a system, how we find and build solutions. In fact, how we do innovation, in social innovation, is as important as what we do.

Transition Year in our schools is unique in the world of education, allowing a space for young people to develop new skills, including those required to innovate. It allows Young Social Innovators to bring entrepreneurial learning to students who otherwise might never have had access to innovation education. This is happening not because they have to do it, but because teachers want to offer social innovation education to thousands of students each year.

The link between social innovation education and enterprise is not difficult to make. Just last week, shortlisted teams of students from across Ireland pitched their enterprising ideas at the Social Innovation Den hosted by Young Social Innovators.

Enterprise, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking and learning matter because they encourage a growth mindset amongst students. When we attach a ‘social cause’ to such learning, we help develop responsible, active, creative citizens, business people, entrepreneurs, all of whom can contribute to a better more sustainable world. This year 14,000 teenage students  in Ireland will engage in social innovation learning.