Regenerative Innovation is the research area that combines the theme of innovation management with that of the generation of social value. Within this area, research, training and third mission activities are carried out at the Institute of Management on the following topics: (1) impact, i.e. the social and economic impact of businesses and non-profit organizations, (2) purpose-driven organizations, i.e. the study of organizations guided by a purpose that aims at the generation of the common good, (3) people, i.e. the role of people in regenerative innovation and their integral development within organizations and (3) communities, intended as an analysis of local communities and their socio-economic development, including their ability to combat poverty and social exclusion.

Who we are

We Regenerative Innovation group is made up of teachers and young researchers who work at the Institute of Management, not only by publishing scientific works but also trying to determine a positive impact on organizations of various kinds, including hybrid companies and organizations.

What we do

We work with businesses, public organizations and third sector entities to co-design generative innovation solutions that can create a positive impact for people and communities. We do this by trying to bridge the gap between scientific research and managerial practice, or by making available to the organizations that collaborate with us the most relevant tools that emerge from the scientific literature in this research area and accompanying them in the adoption of these tools.

Why we do it

We strongly believe that much is changing, and could change even more, in the various socio-economic sectors, towards more equitable, inclusive and sustainable growth processes. In all of this, innovation is a very important element that purpose-driven organizations use to find effective solutions to the complex problems that afflict contemporary society. We recognize the importance of adopting an innovative approach in every sector, from technology to culture, from the environment to the economy, in order to ensure a better future for future generations.
We believe that innovation must be accompanied at the local level with training and consultancy activities, supporting businesses, public organizations and third sector entities.

Areas of activity

1. Impact: this area deals with representing and evaluating the effects of human activities on communities, society and the surrounding environment. The analysis focuses on the impact of different activities, such as public policies, business practices, new technologies, community initiatives and regulations, on social welfare, equality, social justice and other sustainable development goals . In general, the main objective of this area is to develop generative innovation solutions to address social, environmental and economic challenges.
   The activities of this area include scientific production and projects on: Social impact assessment; Creation of qualitative and quantitative models of impact; Strategies for high social impact actions; Social impact training: meaning, planning and evaluation methodologies; Training on impact reports: mandatory Italian and European legislation for drafting social impact reports.
2. Purpose-driven organizations: this area deals with studying and implementing strategies for companies and organizations based on a generative purpose that looks to the common good, different from the traditional vision of business, solely oriented to profit. In this context, profit is no longer considered the ultimate goal of the company, but rather the outcome of the pursuit of a pro-social goal. The main objective of this area is to encourage the proliferation of purpose-driven organizations capable of generating sustainable value in the long term. The activities of this area include scientific production and projects on: Purpose-based training: nature, definition and implementation; Training on hybrid and purpose organizations; Strategies to become purpose-driven companies; Measurement of purpose
3. People: this area deals with studying strategies that place the person and its integral development within organizations at the center, focusing particularly on the elimination of discrimination, social inequalities and gender differences.
   The main objective of this area is to enhance the person and his full development through the sharing of values ​​and visions of a regenerative society. The activities of this area include scientific production and projects on: Gender Equality strategic plans; Integral human development strategy of organizations; D&I strategies and ISO 30415 certification support; Training on social sustainability compliance
4. Communities: this area deals with studying and implementing innovative strategies for the development of communities and the territory, looking at the importance of safeguarding the artistic, cultural, natural heritage and the community itself. The main objective of this area is to encourage the construction of processes and networks of people that foster the resilience of communities.
   The activities of this area include scientific production and projects on: Socio-economic analysis of territories and areas of regenerative intervention; Strategies for businesses and organizations for the regeneration of local communities and territories through the fight against social inequalities and poverty; Impact assessment of territorial projects; Networking between non-profit and for-profit organizations in the area.

Examples of projects, collaborations and initiatives

• Caritas Italiana: Report on the social impact of reception and assistance activities for the population coming from Ukraine
• Caritas Italiana: Methodological report for assessing the social impact of Caritas 8x1000 projects
• Pisa Foundation: Report on economic and social situation in the Pisa area