In an era marked by rapid societal changes and complex challenges, social innovation has emerged as a critical force for driving positive change and sustainable development. Social innovation involves developing and implementing novel solutions to address social needs that are not adequately met by traditional market or government mechanisms.
A study titled “Comparative analysis of social innovators in the Zemgale region and Northern Lithuania” was conducted this year to identify social innovators in Latvia (specifically in the Zemgale region) and Northern Lithuania (specifically in the municipalities of Rokiškis, Biržai, Pasvalys, Kupiškis, and Panevėžys), to understand their fields of activity, impact, legal framework, strengths, and challenges. In the first phase, 95 potential social innovators were identified in Zemgale and 134 in Northern Lithuania, while more in-depth research was carried out on social innovators with high social innovation potential – 25 in Zemgale and 59 in Northern Lithuania.
As the project manager Ieva Zeiferte highlights, the study provides unique insight into the development of social entrepreneurship in Latvia and Lithuania. This field is relatively new in both countries, and this particular regional research is the first to cover both. Although the Zemgale Planning Region has previously implemented initiatives in both entrepreneurial and social spheres, this is a project where the two spheres are closely interlinked. Thus, the study serves as an important information base, providing data and analysis on the activities of social enterprises, as well as confirming that social entrepreneurship in Zemgale and Northern Lithuania has great potential to create new jobs and solve social problems.
The study was conducted by the Social Entrepreneurship Association of Latvia in partnership with the Lithuanian Social Business Association, Zemgale Planning Region, and Administration of Rokiškis District Municipality within the framework of the Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania Programme 2021-2027 project “Improving the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Zemgale and Northern Lithuania” (RE:IMPACT).
Copyright holders: Social Entrepreneurship Association of Latvia, Lithuanian Social Business Association, Rokiskis District Municipality Administration, Zemgale Planning Region. Published in 2024.
Authors: Regita Zeiļa, Līva Švarce, Līga Ivanova, Sandra Grigorjeva, Viktorija Bražiūnaitė, dr. Vilma Atkočienė, dr. Līga Paula, dr. Lāsma Līcīte-Ķurbe, dr. Ieva Žebrytė.
Methodology:
This comparative analysis draws upon multiple data sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of the social innovation ecosystems in Zemgale and Northern Lithuania. The research methodology involved the following steps:
- Pre-identification of social Innovators: A preliminary identification of potential social innovators was conducted in both regions, resulting in a database of 95 potential cases in Zemgale and 134 in Northern Lithuania.
- Interviews with social innovators: In-depth interviews were conducted with a selected sample of social innovators in each region—20 in Zemgale and 24 in Northern Lithuania—to gain deeper insights into their activities, motivations, challenges, and the social impact they create.
- Focus group discussions: Two online focus group discussions were held, one in each region, with seven social innovator representatives from different municipalities. Participants were selected based on their high level of social innovation, representation of different municipalities and sectors, and the diversity of their target groups. The discussions explored topics such as motivation, cooperation with stakeholders, challenges faced, and future development opportunities.
The combination of these research methods allowed for a rich and nuanced understanding of the social innovation in Zemgale and Northern Lithuania, capturing both quantitative and qualitative data and enabled a comprehensive comparison of the two regions, highlighting similarities, differences, and opportunities for mutual learning and collaboration.
Key Findings:
- Social innovators are demonstrating commitment: Despite facing challenges like funding constraints and bureaucratic hurdles, social innovators in Zemgale (Latvia) and Northern Lithuania demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing local needs. They are actively involved in diverse fields, including education, social care, health care, culture, tourism, and agriculture.
- Motivated by positive change: These individuals are driven by a desire to create positive change in their communities, improve the quality of life for vulnerable groups, and find sustainable solutions to local problems.
- Flexibility and collaboration are key strengths: The study highlights the flexibility of social innovators in adapting to local needs and their strong ability to cooperate with diverse stakeholders, including local governments, NGOs, and community members.
- Regional differences exist: While both regions demonstrate a commitment to social innovation, Northern Lithuania sees a greater emphasis on agriculture and niche product development, while Zemgale focuses more on social care and health services.
- Impact is significant: Social innovators are making a real difference by providing jobs, improving education, preserving cultural heritage, and enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable populations.
Challenges and Opportunities:
- Funding and awareness remain key challenges: Social innovators in both regions struggle with limited funding opportunities and a lack of public awareness about social innovation.
- Developing ecosystems need support: The study emphasizes the need for stronger support systems, including clearer legal frameworks, improved access to funding, and increased collaboration between social innovators, policymakers, and support organizations.
Conclusion:
This study underscores the vital role of social innovation in addressing societal challenges and promoting sustainable development in regions studied. Despite facing numerous obstacles, social innovators in Zemgale and Northern Lithuania demonstrate a strong commitment to creating positive change in their communities.
By fostering supportive ecosystems that provide access to funding, information, and collaborative networks, policymakers and support organizations can empower social innovators to scale their impact and contribute to the long-term well-being of these regions. Furthermore, cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing between Zemgale and Northern Lithuania can facilitate the exchange of best practices and inspire new approaches to social innovation.
By working together, these stakeholders can create a more enabling environment for social innovation to flourish, contributing to the resilience, sustainability, and well-being of communities in Zemgale, Northern Lithuania, and beyond.
The study can found here: https://latlit.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/for-publicity_COMPARATIVE-ANALYSIS-OF-SOCIAL-INNOVATORS-IN-ZEMGALE-REGION-AND-NORTHERN-LITHUANIA_2024_ReImpact_ENG.pdf