Social innovation

Taking a leap together

Blog 3 February 2023

Innovating around established norms and processes can be tough, frustrating, exciting, and joyful all at the same time. The heritage sector is ready for the adventure. 

‘In our quest for environmental sustainability, social responsibility is key’

Blog 19 October 2022

Previewing our upcoming report, Helen Goulden looks for the ‘S’ in ESG – and asks if political and economic turbulence could knock it into the long grass? 

Digital solutions: tech-powered responses to 21st century crises

Publication 13 June 2022

This paper explores the potential to develop digital civic infrastructure to support our national growth and drive levelling up.

The Young Academy Investment Fund Impact Report 2021

Publication 20 April 2022

This report assesses the impact of The Young Academy Investment Fund.

Report finds social enterprises funded by The Young Academy benefit 1.8m learners

News 20 April 2022

Social investment fund, set up by The Young Foundation, UBS and the Cabinet Office to tackle disadvantage in education, shares learnings from eight years of flexible and patient finance.

Response to the Levelling Up White Paper

Publication 14 February 2022

Our report addresses the ‘missions’ of the government’s Levelling Up White Paper and proposes action to work ‘radically differently’ by involving local people and communities to drive meaningful change. 

Competition celebrates projects tackling climate change 

News 19 October 2021

A new international competition, run by The Young Foundation in the UK and by Metrolab Network in the US, celebrates innovative projects tackling climate change. The winners will be announced at COP26, the United Nations Climate Change conference in Glasgow.

How can innovation help us do the best we can for the future of heritage?

News 14 April 2021

The Young Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund are undertaking new research on how we can accelerate ideas to support heritage in the future. We want to hear your insights on innovation opportunities and challenges.

Reimagining Rent: Social Innovation in the Private Rented Sector

Publication 21 September 2020

Over the last decade, almost two million new households have begun renting privately. The Private Rented Sector is growing rapidly but it is quickly having to meet new needs as increasing numbers of families with children, older people and those

Britain: Where Next for the Social Innovation Eco-System in the UK?

Publication 30 January 2018

The UK has a well-developed social innovation (SI) eco-system that has helped drive the rapid advancement of SI, particularly through social enterprise. However, whilst the UK continues to lead, there are further opportunities for research and capacity building beyond the

Disrupting Cultures for Health and Social Care Innovation

Publication 30 January 2018

Despite the institutionalised nature of the health and social care sector, which may be a challenge to innovation, social innovation is seen to be growing. This impact can be further increased through relationships and partnerships which challenge the conventional cultures

Social Innovation in Western Europe: Networks and Programmes as Drivers

Publication 30 January 2018

Networks and cooperation are vital for social innovation (SI). Policy which stimulates the development of SI ecosystems is likely to encourage the sustainability of social innovations. This chapter from the Atlas of Social Innovation, comprised of 62 articles by 25