Latin American Social Innovation Network (LASIN)

Basic data for this project

Description

LASIN aims to implement a new model for University - Socioeconomic engagement, based on a combination of curricular and extra-curricular activities; learning materials and tools; practical training; mentoring; and the development of specific support units that are dedicated to strengthening the Universities’ links with the wider social environment. The project will result in a new paradigm for knowledge transfer within universities, supporting the concept of social innovation as key to social development and cohesion at both a regional and international level. Funded by the European Commission, the project involves a consortium of thirteen partners, including eleven universities, with Glasgow Caledonian University coordinating as the lead partner. The project’s activities will be based within four Latin American regions – Mercosur (based in Chile), Comunidad Andina (based in Colombia), Brazil and Central America (based in Panama). Over the course of three years, the partners will design a clear methodology and a series of curricular and extracurricular activities within the participating institutions in order to promote and support social innovation. Through specialised social innovation support units, the universities will develop sustainable initiatives and actions that will contribute to directly to social cohesion, equality and socioeconomic development in each region. As a result, the universities will be able to make a real contribution to their communities through the exploitation of tacit and codified knowledge, as well as their virtual and physical spaces, networks and experience. As such, although the project will directly involve the academic community, the staff and students of the universities involved, it aims to have a far greater reach - impacting upon the lives of individuals; the activities of community organisations; indigenous, youth and women’s groups; local authorities; NGOs; SMEs; and many others.