aunched fifteen years ago at Mykolas Romeris University (MRU), the SOCIN Conference on Social Innovation now brings together researchers from universities across Europe to explore solutions to pressing societal challenges. Held on 21–23 October at SWPS University in Warsaw, this year's conference provided another opportunity not only to present the latest research but also to strengthen international cooperation and translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions. MRU researchers were among those presenting their work at the event.
SOCIN was first organised at Mykolas Romeris University in 2011. Since then, it has developed into a platform for academic and practical discussions, exploring social innovation as a means of addressing societal challenges, strengthening communities and identifying new forms of cooperation.
MRU's participation in the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA) has marked a new chapter in the conference's development. In 2024, SOCIN was held in Vilnius within the framework of the ERUA Alliance. In 2025, the conference took place outside Lithuania for the first time, hosted by the University of Macerata in Italy. In 2026, the tradition continued at SWPS University in Poland. This evolution demonstrates how an academic initiative originating at MRU has become part of an increasingly broad network of international cooperation.
Social Innovation Today: From Artificial Intelligence to Societal Resilience
This year's SOCIN programme reflected the growing importance of social innovation in a rapidly changing world. Researchers discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on education and knowledge creation, the capacity of institutions to operate under complex crisis conditions, social justice, migration, community resilience, and emerging economic and public governance models.
These topics demonstrate that social innovation goes beyond generating new ideas. Equally important is understanding how scientific research can contribute to more effective public services, more inclusive education, stronger institutions and improved quality of life.
MRU researchers participating in the conference presented studies covering a range of social science disciplines. Their contributions formed part of discussions on institutional performance and cooperation, legal innovation, transformations in digital society, community well-being, education and changing social processes.
The diversity of research presented by MRU scholars reflects the interdisciplinary nature of social innovation. Societal challenges rarely fall within the boundaries of a single academic discipline, making cooperation between different fields of research and institutions essential to developing effective solutions.
From Research to Collaborative Solutions
The SOCIN Conference serves not only as a platform for presenting research findings but also as an opportunity to explore their practical application, establish new partnerships and strengthen cooperation between researchers and other sectors of society.
The programme in Warsaw featured thematic discussions, practical workshops, research presentations and meetings focused on developing new joint initiatives. Sessions dedicated to ERUA research groups explored opportunities for collaboration and funding, laying the groundwork for future joint international research projects.
This approach reflects the broader vision of the ERUA Alliance: to foster an open and collaborative university environment in which scientific knowledge is not only generated but also applied to addressing challenges that matter to society.
The international expansion of SOCIN demonstrates how an initiative established at MRU can develop into a lasting platform for academic cooperation. It also creates new opportunities for MRU researchers to pursue joint research, exchange expertise with European colleagues and contribute to the development of social innovation at an international level.
