2nd International Conference of the Latinamerican Social Innovation Network

The 2nd International Conference of the Latinamerican Social Innovation Network took place in Colombia last September. Organized by the Erasmus+ funded project LASIN, of which the University of Alicante is a partner, the International Conference was hosted by the Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina in Bogotá on September 26^th, and by the Universidad de Antioquia in Medellín from September 27^th to 29^th.

Over 200 participants came together from Latin America, Europe and the United States. In addition to a number of workshops and networking opportunities, participants were able to participate in numerous sessions to discuss “Empowering Communities”, “Innovation and the Environment”, “Training and Professional Development”, “Social Innovation Parks”, “Health”, “Communities, “Social Innovation in Universities”, “Citizen Participation & Crowdfunding”, “Using Technology as a tool for Social Innovation & Coworking”, “Spaces and Resources for Social Innovation”, “Peace, Reconciliation and Human Rights”, “Education”, “Design Thinking” and “Creativity”.

The Conference also served as the closing event of the LASIN project, and the key project results were presented, notably the work done by the partners’ Social Innovation Support Units and Social Innovation case studies they have been supporting. Finally, the LASIN book was presented to the public, both in its hardcopy and interactive digital formats.

Representatives of the University of Alicante included Prof. Javier Mira who presented the UA’s new Master’s on Social Innovation and Dynamics of Change, Mr. Jose María Fernandez from the Vice-Rectorate of students and employment who presented the UA’s AbilityConnect app, and OGPI senior project manager Ms. Cristina Beans who gave a talk on the digital storytelling platform of the Erasmus+ project.

The great interest of all the participants and the general success of the event highlighted the importance to continue developing and promoting the Latinamerican Social Innovation Network in the future, as an excellent platform for future cooperation and exchange of experiences in the region. With the LASIN project wrapping up, the individual partners are keen on taking the steps to ensure the sustainability of this network.