COPERNICUS · SoCial Finance for SOcial EnterPrisEs: TheoRy aNd PractICe to bUild a more incluSive society

SoCial Finance for SOcial EnterPrisEs: TheoRy aNd PractICe to bUild a more incluSive society

In recent years, many actions of the EC have highlighted the interest in promoting and funding social innovation (SI) and social enterprises (SEs). The purpose of COPERNICUS is to analyze the approaches, methods and instruments of social finance (SF) – also through the analysis of the more advanced experiences in this field (such as Canada) – with the aim of proposing theoretical and practical solutions helpful to support SEs localized in some marginal territory of the EU, especially in Calabria. In detail, COPERNICUS aims to contribute to the international academic debate on SF, with a focus on the role of SF for SEs through the analysis of the best practices useful for the improvement of economic wellbeing; 2) to provide better theoretical and practical solutions by designing tailored financial instruments for SEs located in Calabria with the aim of developing and testing efficient ways to reduce social exclusion and to promote social innovation (that could potentially be expanded to other “Objective 1” regions in the EU); and 3) to promote a permanent network between the involved parties that is useful for encouraging new financial approaches for a more inclusive society. During the final reporting period, COPERNICUS has significantly expanded its scientific contribution and successfully completed its objectives. Research activities were finalized through the publication and submission of peer-reviewed journal articles, the development of an international edited volume, participation in leading international conferences, and the establishment of the Laboratory of Excellence for Social and Sustainable Finance at the University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, where the project was officially transferred for the final 11 months of its implementation. Key scientific outcomes include: the application of bibliometric analysis and grounded theory to map the intellectual landscape of social finance; the development of empirical models linking crowdfunding to social innovation; and a systematic review of FinTech’s role in supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries. COPERNICUS has fully achieved its objectives, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge, the development of practical tools for SEs, and the consolidation of an international research network. It leaves a lasting legacy in the field of social finance and sustainable development, providing a solid foundation for future research, practical applications, and policy innovation.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз