Transcript
Welcome to the OECD Podcasts, where policy meets people. I'm Shayne MacLachlan, and today we're talking about social innovation, - a growing field with real potential to tackle some of society’s most persistent challenges while also generating economic benefits.
Social innovation refers to the design and implementation of new ideas - products, services, or processes - that respond to social needs while fostering new types of relationships and partnerships. And that’s exactly what we’re exploring today.
The OECD has played a key role in shaping this field. We first defined social innovation in the year 2000, and our work has evolved significantly since then. To go deeper, I’m joined by Jeroen Jutte, Head of the European Social Fund (ESF) Co-ordination Unit at the European Commission.
Welcome, Jeroen. And I should ask, what’s the correct pronunciation of your name?
Jeroen Jutte:
It’s “Yuh-roon Yutta,” but as we both work in international organisations, I’ll answer to anything that sounds remotely close.
Shayne:
Great. Well, Jeroen, let’s dive in. Can you start by telling us about your role at the European Commission and how it connects to social innovation?
Jeroen:
Absolutely. I lead the co-ordination of the ESF, which is Europe’s main instrument for employment and social inclusion. We’re responsible for guiding member states and ensuring that EU social policy is translated into concrete actions and projects.
To give a sense of scale: in this programming period, we aim to support 149 million people across Europe. And a key priority is doing this better, more efficiently, more fairly, which is where social innovation comes in. We have around €2 billion dedicated to social innovation alone within the ESF framework.
Shayne:
That’s a huge figure, two billion euros just for social innovation. The OECD recently launched a report called Starting, Scaling and Sustaining Social Innovation, which introduces a 3S Framework. How does ESF+ support those three stages?
Jeroen:
We follow a very similar logic. Our seven-year programming periods give us the ability to support a full life cycle, from early-stage experimentation to mainstreaming success. Innovation needs time to take root, and the ESF+ provides that space.
For example, we fund pilot projects through a dedicated €200 million initiative, but we also encourage multi-country pilots, so countries can co-develop and test ideas together.
Shayne:
Scaling seems especially tough. What strategies are helping you move from pilot to broader adoption?
Jeroen:
It’s definitely one of the toughest parts. What works in Madrid might not work in Warsaw. That’s why we created communities of practice, groups of professionals across countries who share what’s working and adapt it to their context.
One example is the ALMA programme, a social inclusion pathway for young people not in employment, education or training. It’s already involved 670 organisations across Europe and is proving transformative for participants.
Shayne:
You mentioned earlier the SIM database, Social Innovation Match. Can you explain what that is and how people can use it?
Jeroen:
Yes! The SIM database is a public online platform where users can browse, filter, and even submit social innovation projects. You can filter by country, target group, or policy theme, and reach out directly to project leads. It’s a great way to scale ideas and spark collaboration.
Shayne:
Let’s look to the future. Where do you see social innovation heading in the EU?
Jeroen:
Well, we’re halfway through our current programming period, and momentum is growing. But we also face big demographic shifts. By 2040, Europe’s workforce will shrink by 1 million workers per year. That’s 7% fewer workers. So we need everyone’s potential, especially youth, women, and underserved groups.
Social innovation helps us test how best to reach and support these populations, using real-time data, new outreach methods, and adapting to digital and societal change.
Shayne:
Last question: in the face of global transitions - from digitalisation to climate - where do you see social innovation having the most impact?
Jeroen:
It’s broad: from engaging migrant communities in cities like Gothenburg, to empowering women re-entering the labour market, to helping disconnected youth find new purpose.
But what’s essential is testing, figuring out what works, and doing more of that. Whether through leaflets at shopping centres or targeted social media campaigns, innovation means adapting to how society actually works today.
Shayne:
Well said. Jeroen, thank you for joining us. Your insights show how social innovation isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a toolkit for real change. For listeners who want more, check out the OECD’s new report Starting, Scaling and Sustaining Social Innovation, available now on oecd.org.
Thanks for listening. I’m Shayne MacLachlan, and this has been the OECD Podcasts.
