Within the framework of the INSPIRE PA – Introducing Social Practices to Improve the Resilience of Public Administration project, our partnership from Italy, Greece, and Romania has carried out a comprehensive mapping of 30 social innovation practices led by public administrations.
The resulting report presents how public administrations across Europe are reimagining governance and addressing social challenges through inclusive and participatory approaches.
This publication marks an important milestone in INSPIRE PA’s mission to support public administrations in becoming active facilitators of social innovation.
Led by Ashoka Italy, with the contribution of all INSPIRE PA partners, the research identifies a clear shift in the role of public institutions — from service providers to enablers of innovation and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Key findings highlight:
- A decentralised approach to innovation, with municipalities acting as real laboratories of change.
- Growing citizen participation and youth engagement in policymaking and service design.
- The integration of technological, organisational, and social innovations to enhance accessibility and responsiveness.
- A strong focus on vulnerable groups, including youth, Roma communities, refugees, and people with disabilities.
From digital transformation in Greece to civic innovation in Romania and youth empowerment in Italy, the report shows how public administrations across Europe are becoming drivers of systemic change.
The mapping combined desk research and interviews with innovation leaders rethinking how public value is created.
The insights collected through this research will directly inform the development of the INSPIRE PA Training Curriculum for Social Innovation Managers — a new professional profile designed to strengthen the ability of public administrations to co-create solutions with citizens, civil society, and the private sector.
The “Mapping of Social Innovation Practices in the Public Administration” report is now available for download.
👉 Access the full report here to explore how public administrations across Europe are leading the way toward more inclusive, participatory, and resilient governance.
