This standalone micro-credential, offered by the Slovak University of Agriculture (SUA) in Nitra, introduces social innovation from a social sciences perspective and shows how it can support agriculture and food systems in becoming more sustainable.

Participants examine key concepts, real-world examples and methodological approaches, the policies and project schemes that support social innovation, and the metrics used to assess its social impact. They also learn to formulate recommendations, design innovative solutions and propose social business models.

The holder of this Micro-credential has acquired the following SKILLS:
-    Understand basic aspects of perspective and methodological frameworks used in social sciences applied to economic phenomena, particularly to agrifood systems. 
-    Understand the principles of modern transition/transformation and development of agriculture and food systems in the context of socio-economic development in the 21st century within the agenda of sustainable development goals.

And the following SOFT SKILLS:
-    Formulate recommendations, design own innovative solutions and propose social business models. 
-    Manage and realise targeted projects and activities in the field of boosting and motivating various stakeholders to get involved and adopt social innovations.

The holder of this Micro-credential has also acquired the following KNOWLEDGE: 
-    Graduates will gain theoretical knowledge of the principles of sustainability, types of innovation, and their application in environmental and social contexts. They will become familiar with innovation tools (e.g., design thinking, Lean Canvas) and with policies supporting innovation at the national and European levels.

The main goal of the course is to introduce the concept of social innovations from the social sciences perspective, and as a vital element for supporting agriculture and food systems in facing the challenges of “being more sustainable” in all aspects. Different ways of thinking about social innovation and several types of challenges in analyzing and supporting social innovations in agrifood sector are presented and discussed.

SDGs 1,2,10,12,17