Social innovations as a competitive factor for the region

How anchored are social innovations in the regional economy, what advantages do they bring for securing skilled workers and how do companies resolve the tension between profit and value-oriented action? At the "Campus Expert Talk" in the foyer of the central building, around 40 experts from science, business and administration discussed these issues. The collaboration between the IHKLW and Leuphana aims to strengthen and further develop Lüneburg as a business and science location. To this end, collaborations and research initiatives are to be initiated to drive forward socially innovative change in companies.

"Social innovations strengthen the competitiveness of companies, as consumers, business partners and employees are increasingly paying attention to acting responsibly towards people and the environment. There is also potential to be tapped into when it comes to securing skilled workers - especially with Generation Z in mind," says IHKLW President Andreas Kirschenmann. In view of the rapid technological and social changes, the exchange between science and business is all the more important, says Kirschenmann: "At the same time, companies need a tailwind from politics, because it is also clear that investments in innovation can only be made under competitive framework conditions."

In view of the current challenges, Leuphana President Sascha Spoun sees great potential for entrepreneurship: "Products and working methods must be re-evaluated and, if necessary, redesigned in order to meet the changing demands of sustainable business. Leuphana has been working successfully for years to support this development and promote it in terms of the economic, ecological and social dimensions of sustainability." The university was recently awarded the German Sustainability Prize for this.

Building a regional community

The companies and organizations represented at the Campus Expert Talk are also guided by sustainability maxims: they create jobs for people with difficult life paths. They operate in an ecologically conscious manner, develop new products from recycled materials or use part of their profits to help people in need. The participants showed great interest in building a community in which regional partner companies and organizations develop and test new concepts for social innovation and entrepreneurship together with university researchers. As an Innovative University recognized by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Leuphana is driving forward a total of four cooperation networks. Companies wishing to join these networks can contact Andrea Japsen from the Leuphana Cooperation Service: Andrea Japsen, Tel 04131 677-2971, andrea.japsen@leuphana.de

The Campus Expert Talk was funded as part of the "Transfer in Lower Saxony" program by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture with funds from the "Niedersächsisches Vorab" of the Volkswagen Foundation and the IHKLW.