About the conference
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness
Charles Dickens
English writer (1812-1870)
Do we already possess the remedies for contemporary society’s greatest challenges? After three decades of intensive reflection on social innovation, we have moved closer to a deeper understanding of the issues facing humanity. Research in this field has progressed from merely labeling phenomena as "wicked problems" toward more agentic approaches—focusing on designing innovations and solutions that address challenges at the micro and macro levels, as well as within complex systems. At this year’s conference, we acknowledge the polycrisis and call for a narrative shift toward polisolutions.
The 2026 edition of the SOCIN Conference is unique as it is being organized in collaboration between the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA) and SWPS University's Faculty of Social Sciences. Through joint forces, we are able to approach social innovation from a substantive and international perspective. Social challenges are global by nature, and therefore must be addressed from a transnational perspective.
Registration is now open
Keynote Speakers
Emeritus Professor
Frank Moulaert
Frank Moulaert is Emeritus Professor of Spatial Planning at KU Leuven, Belgium, where his interdisciplinary research integrates the fields of...
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Professor of Culture and Technology
Marion Thain
Marion Thain is Professor of Culture and Technology and Director of Edinburgh Futures Institute at the University of Edinburgh. She began her career...
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The project is co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held liable for them.
