13th EUROPEAN FORUM ON EXPERIENCES AND TRENDS IN INNOVATION FOR INCLUSION
WHAT IS THE
EUROPEAN FORUM?
This event, organized by the European Network of Innovation for Inclusion and led by Action Against Hunger, is an annual meeting that brings together European experts in social innovation, inclusive employment, and entrepreneurship.
This 13th edition, themed “The path of social innovation towards systemic change,” will take place in Madrid on 26 November at the Action Against Hunger Auditorium and will also be broadcast live on the European Network’s YouTube Channel, making it accessible to participants and organizations across Europe.
In a defining phase for the future of social innovation in Europe and with the next programming period of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) starting to take shape, the Forum becomes a strategic space to analyse the latest developments, identify the most effective initiatives, and strengthen evidence-based approaches to impact. Its ultimate goal is to drive large-scale transformation, reinforce social cohesion, and inspire more inclusive and resilient public policies across Europe.
This year, the Forum will explore how to bridge evidence and policymaking, combining theoretical reflection with tangible, measurable experiences. It will highlight social innovation initiatives that—through active collaboration among public institutions, businesses, and civil society organisations—are driving systemic change, transforming communities, and fostering inclusive employment and entrepreneurship across Europe.
SPEAKERS
AGENDA
09:00 am Registration
09:30 am Social innovation towards systemic change in Europe
This opening session will highlight the crucial role of social innovation within the EU framework and why this is a key moment to recognise and amplify its impact. Speakers will discuss how social organisations can further strengthen the value of their work and contribute to shaping more inclusive, sustainable, and transformative European policies.
- Patricia Pérez-Gómez Delaunay, Head of the Unit for Employment, Skills and Social Policies for Spain and Malta at the European Commission
- Ángel María García Fontelo, Deputy Director General of the European Social Fund Administrative Unit – UAFSE
- Berta González Antón, Advisor to the Cabinet of the Secretary of State for Social Rights at the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda
10:30 am The goal of systemic change, close or still far?
This session will explore the concept of systemic change from a theoretical and capacity-building perspective. It will provide participants with frameworks and insights to better understand what systemic change entails, what barriers remain, and how innovation ecosystems can accelerate progress towards it.
- Gorka Espiau, Director of the Agirre Lehendakaria Center (ALC) for Social and Political Studies
- Miquel de Paladella, CEO of UpSocial
11:30 am Coffee break
12:00 pm Social innovations paving the way to systemic change
This session will showcase practical examples of social innovations that have made tangible progress towards systemic transformation. Presenters will share experiences of initiatives that have influenced or reshaped public policies, fostered multi-stakeholder collaborations, and integrated holistic approaches to achieve lasting and structural impact.
- Pilot projects on integrated learning pathways
Sara Buesa, Director of Inclusion, Basque Government - Platforma VIDAS (Innovative pathways for deinstitutionalisation through learning in society)
Berta González Antón, Advisor to the Cabinet of the Secretary of State for Social Rights at the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda - Territoires zéro chômeur de longue durée (Long term unemployed territories)
Victoria Bazurto, Head of Research and Evaluation Monitoring, Territoires Zéro Chômeur de Longue Durée - Common Agendas
Bartomeu Ayala, Head of Health and Social Innovation at Althaia, University Healthcare Network of Manresa
14:00 am Closing & networking aperitif
EXPLORE THE TOPICS FOR THE 13TH FORUM
LAST EDITIONS
Since 2012, Action Against Hunger has organized the European Forum as a key platform to promote social inclusion through employment and entrepreneurship. Over the years, it has connected hundreds of organizations, policymakers, and innovators across Europe, supporting young people, women, migrants, and long-term unemployed individuals.
Each edition strengthens collaboration, fosters shared learning, and contributes to building a more inclusive and resilient European labour ecosystem.
EUROPEAN NETWORK OF INNOVATION FOR INCLUSION
Since 2016, Action Against Hunger has been leading the European Network of Innovation for Inclusion to promote social innovation among key stakeholders and foster a more inclusive European labour market.
The Network is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) in Spain and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Social Rights and the 2030 Agenda within the framework of the State Programme for Social Inclusion, Child Guarantee and the Fight against Poverty (2021ES05SFPR003).
Launched by Action Against Hunger, the Network creates a collaborative space that brings together organizations of diverse backgrounds, facilitating knowledge exchange, joint project development, and the scaling-up of social innovations.
It reflects our organization’s strong commitment to innovation, cooperation, and systemic transformation, supporting the journey from local experimentation to European-level policy influence.
