Centre of expertise
in social innovation
At the beginning of 2024, the University of Lausanne established a centre of expertise in social innovation (“pôle d’expertise”) as part of the HUB Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Its mission is to promote a culture of innovation for the common good, at UNIL and across French-speaking Switzerland.
« With this centre of expertise, we want to help change mindsets. Show that a profound and sustainable social transformation is possible. Provide the tools and strategies to achieve this, while strengthening interdisciplinarity within UNIL. »
Emilie Romon Carnegie – Head of Social Innovation at UNIL’s HUB Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Innovating for the common good : What are we talking about ?
Encyclopedia Britannica defines the common good as « that which benefits society as a whole, in contrast to the private good of individuals and sections of society ».
In this way, the centre of expertise seeks to promote innovation that benefits society as a whole.
To use a more contemporary reference, that of economist Kate Raworth’s Doughnut model, we work on innovation that consolidates the social foundation while respecting planetary boundaries. For a definition of social innovation, see the « Definitions and key concepts » page.
The objectives of the centre of expertise in social innovation
Inspire
Promote the scale and impact of social innovation in French-speaking Switzerland
Educate
Offer a rich, interdisciplinary range of university courses in social innovation
Activate
Support the development of social innovation projects from the UNIL community and French-speaking Switzerland through the UCreate program