Research council funds social innovation pilot

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada has launched a pilot project to support social innovation research at community colleges and polytechnics.

The Community and College Social Innovation Fund offers up to $200,000—plus an additional 20 per cent for overheads—for colleges and polytechnics to work with businesses or community organisations on research projects that address social issues such as poverty, crime prevention, community safety and economic development.

Brent Herbert-Copley, vice-president of research capacity at SSHRC, said: “Canadian colleges are uniquely qualified to work with community partners to advance meaningful, relevant solutions to pressing social issues that weaken our communities. Our funding of such partnerships helps create and sustain a culture of innovation in Canada, and fosters stronger collaboration among academic, private, public and not-for-profit sectors, to improve the well-being of Canadians.”