Across Europe a growing movement of people is developing inspiring digital solutions to social challenges. These range from social networks for those living with chronic health conditions, to online platforms for citizen participation in policymaking, to using open data to create more transparency about public spending. We call this phenomenon digital social innovation (DSI).
DSI offers the possibility to deliver social impact more efficiently and to empower people to take more control over the issues they face. But DSI has so much potential it is yet to fulfil, but once it enters mainstream consciousness, the public service and third sector it will open up so many possibilities.
DSI aims to harness technology to improve people’s lives, empower citizens, make government bodies more accountable and transparent and to create a more environmentally sustainable society. To accomplish this, the initiative explores the different fields of digital social innovation and engages in research and supporting activities that help people and organisations across Europe tackle social challenges with digital technologies.
