On 25 March 2025, Ecologic Institute hosted an online workshop as part of the EU-funded 3-CO project, bringing together 21 participants from across Europe to discuss how policy can better support social innovation.

The discussion centered on key barriers and on reviewing draft policy recommendations, grouped into two areas: financial & regulatory and collaboration & networking challenges. Recommendations included improving access to EU funding, introducing tax incentives, reducing certification costs, and fostering private sector involvement in social financing. Additional recommendations addressed public procurement, transparency, support for certification, regulatory stability,
and the development of impact-based funding frameworks

Two external speakers contributed to the discussion, offering practical insights into support structures and enabling conditions for social innovation in Europe.

• Florian Birk (Social Impact gGmbH) presented the SIGU Platform, a central hub for social innovation and social enterprises in Germany that provides access to guidance, funding opportunities, and networking. He stressed the need for tailored support for early-stage social innovations and highlighted a gap in the funding landscape—while funding is frequently available for ideas, concrete innovations often lack the necessary financial backing to move forward.
• Johannes Suitner (TU Vienna) focused on the enabling conditions for local social innovation, drawing from real-world experiences. He underscored the crucial role of intermediaries in providing administrative and legal support, facilitating connections, and building trust. 

The feedback gathered during the session will help shape the final policy recommendations, aimed at empowering social innovation initiatives to tackle Europe's social and environmental challenges.