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Social Innovation Impact Measurement Consensus Conference

Together we can shape the future of social impact measurement.

Social Innovation Impact Measurement Consensus Conference

The University of Calgary and community are collaborating to host a consensus conference, focusing on knowledge sharing and consensus building regarding the assessment of outputs, outcomes, and impacts of social innovation initiatives.

May 29-30, 2024
University of Calgary Downtown Campus
906 8 Ave SW
Calgary, Alberta

 


Learning Objectives:

  • To increase understanding of the complexity of social innovation and approaches to measurement.
  • Build upon previous research to achieve consensus on recommended indicators and scales to measure the impact of social innovation initiatives across diverse dimensions and multiple levels within complex systems.

This conference is limited to 100 registrants.


Expert Panel

Photo of Dr. Cuhna

Dr. Jorge Cunha

Escola de Engenharia de Universidade do Minho
Associate Professor and Senior Researcher

In recent years, one of Jorge Cunha’s research interests is the shortage of academic research about the indicators (and corresponding metrics) best suited to assess the impact of social innovation initiatives or projects. Measuring this impact is a significant challenge for researchers as social innovation is a complex process, and research in this area has not yet reached the level of development and maturity in the context of technological and economic innovation. Therefore, he has been developing a methodological framework to identify indicators (and metrics) that allow measuring the impact of social innovation.

Full biography

Photo of Dr. Almeida

Dr. Filipe Almeida

University of Coimbra
President, Portugal Social Innovation
Professor, Researcher, Centre of Social Studies and Centre of Cooperative and Social Economy Studies

Dr. Almeida is the president of of Portugal Social Innovation, a pioneering Government initiative that mobilizes European funds to promote social innovation and social entrepreneurship, as well as develop the social investment market in Portugal. He is also a professor at the University of Coimbra and researcher at the Center of Social Studies (CES/FEUC) and Center of Cooperative and Social Economy Studies (CECES/FEUC).

Full biography

Photo of Dr. Jurgen

Dr. Jürgen Howaldt

TU Dortmund University
Director, Social Research Centre
Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Howaldt is an internationally renowned expert in the field of social innovation and co-founder and chair of the European School of Social Innovation. Jürgen Howaldt has co-edited the Encyclopedia of Social Innovation and the Atlas of Social Innovation. He is involved in setting up a platform for Social Innovations in Germany as part of the national Social Innovation strategy. His research focuses on social sciences-based innovation research and social innovation.

Full biography

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Facilitator - Dr. Karen Benzies

University of Calgary
Director, Social Innovation Initiative, Vice-President (Research) Office, Professor, Faculty of Nursing
Founder & CEO, Liminality Innovations

Trained clinically as a nurse and midwife, Dr. Benzies holds a PhD and two post-doctoral fellowships and served as Associate Dean of Research. With multiple large teams she acquired over $125 million in operating grants and generated over 170 publications. Her expertise in designing and sustaining interventions in complex ecosystems and social innovation shaped a social enterprise that improves outcomes and reduces hospital costs by keeping critically ill babies and their parents together in neonatal intensive care units.

Full biography

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Dr. Judith Terstriep

Westphalian University of Applied Sciences Gelsenkirchen, Institute for Work and Technology
Head of Research Department, Innovation, Space & Culture

Dr Judith Terstriep (Economist) is Head of the Research Department “Innovation, Space & Culture” at the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences Gelsenkirchen and lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Ruhr University Bochum. Focal work areas cover social innovation (impact) measurement, entrepreneurship, regional development, sustainable transformative and mission-oriented innovation policy, and sectoral and regional analyses.

Full biography

 

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Dr. Sandra Lapointe

McMaster University
Director, The/La Collaborative
Professor, Philosophy

Dr. Lapointe convenes the Canadian Forum for Social Innovation and leads the McMaster Social Innovation Ideas and Action Lab. Her contribution to philosophy focuses on the history of logic, mind and knowledge. Her current research agenda revolves around bringing a Social Sciences and Humanities perspective on issues connected to policy, knowledge mobilisation, and skills development for social innovation and impact.

Full biography

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Facilitator - Dr. Peter Milley

University of Ottawa
Director, Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services
Professor, Faculty of Education

Dr. Peter Milley is the Director of the Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services (CRECS) and Professor of Educational Administration at the University of Ottawa. Among other research interests, he studies the leadership and evaluation of social innovation initiatives in and beyond Canadian higher education. 

Full biography

Important Dates, Deadlines, and Fees

Make note of these dates and deadlines for registration and poster session submissions.

Submit Your Abstract

Contribute to Social Innovation and Measurement:
Your research may hold the key to unlocking new perspectives and innovative approaches to understanding social innovation. Poster sessions offer a platform for in-depth discussions and new connections with colleagues who share your passion for social innovation.

Submission is now closed.
 


Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find answers to your questions about the conference.

Yes, but we have collaborated with a few hotels to secure a preferred rate. All rates are in Canadian dollars.

Alt Hotel Calgary East Village
635 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 0G1
Located just steps away from the Bow River, BMO Centre and the Stampede Grounds. Take in the energy of the revitalized neighborhood, just minutes from downtown.

Rates:
$169.00 (King Bed), $199 (2 Queen Beds) + tax
Booking link


Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
888 7 Avenue, Calgary, AB, T2P 3N3
Located in downtown Calgary, Sandman Signature offers a premium hotel experience with elegant and comfortable accommodations, complimentary underground parking, and modern in-room amenities. Situated directly on the Light Transit Line (LRT), guests enjoy convenient access to major attractions. Our hotel is just a one-minute walk to the UCalgary downtown campus.


Rates:
$139 (Corporate King Bed), $145 (Corporate One King w/sofa bed), $159 (Corporate King Bed w/Kitchenette) + tax
Booking link
WAC: 2024SOCIAL

 

Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Downtown
525 5 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 1P7
Located in the heart of the business district, the Courtyard by Marriott is the newest hotel in the centre of downtown Calgary. You will enjoy inviting, flexible spaces to work or relax with free Wi-Fi throughout. Guests can recharge in the comfort of newly designed contemporary rooms.

Rates:
$ 199.00 (Standard room, 1 King bed or 2 Queen beds ((Single or Double Occupancy)) + tax
Booking link

Registration fees include:

  • Conference attendance
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Poster Session (Wine & Cheese reception/networking)

We understand that schedules change unexpectedly. 

If you need to cancel, registration fees will be reimbursed minus an administrative fee of $60 CDN.

Thank you for your interest. This is a consensus conference and working meeting, therefore no oral presentations will be available.

However, a poster session and networking opportunity is available. Refer to the Submit Your Abstract section of this web page for more information.

Calgary, is located in Western Canada in the province of Alberta and is a major transportation and business hub. Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a short drive to one of Canada's first national parks, Banff National Park.

To learn more, visit.

 

Registration Open - November 15, 2023   | Registration Closes - May 17, 2024

Early Bird: $520 CDN (early-bird rate ends March 16, 2024)

Regular: $670 CDN (Regular rate ends May 2, 2024)

Late: $750 CDN (Late rate starts May 3 and ends May 17, 2024)

Student: $315 CDN (students must provide student ID number upon registration and show student card at the conference registration desk)

From your arrival at the Calgary International Airport (YYC), our conference location is just 20 mins to downtown Calgary.

The easiest way to get downtown from the airport is by taxi, ride-share, or car rental. Many hotels offer complimentary shuttles, just inquire as you book your accommodations.

Calgary is served by many transportation options, including public transit, taxis, ride-sharing, and rental cars.

The University of Calgary Downtown Campus is conveniently located one block away from the 7th Street Light Rail Transit (LRT) Station that runs through the heart of downtown Calgary.

For details on ground transportation from the Calgary International Airport, click here.

For a complete list of bus and LRT stops, visit Calgary Transit.

For information on parking at the downtown campus, click here.

The Social Innovation Impact Measurement Consensus Conference is a two-day conference.

Day One: May 29
7:30 a.m.: Registration, continental breakfast and networking
8:30 a.m.: Welcome and Introductions
8:45 a.m - 12:00 noon.: Expert speakers and presentations
12 noon - 1 p.m.: Break
1:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.: Facilitated working sessions
4:00 p.m.: Summary/Closing
4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Poster sessions, wine and cheese, networking

Day Two: May 30
7:30 a.m.: Breakfast and networking
8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.: Synthesis, discussion, and consensus
11:00 a.m.: Next steps
12:00 noon: Box lunch
1:30 p.m. Venue closes

This conference is for:

  • International experts on social innovation evaluation and impact measurement
  • Social innovation leaders and practitioners from multiple sectors
  • Academic and community-based researchers and evaluators
  • Policy leaders responsible for social innovation portfolios

Have questions? Send us an email!

The Social Innovation Impact Measurement Consensus Conference is a collaborative initiative with support from universities, institutions, and community serving organizations, including the University of Calgary, the University of Ottawa, the University of Minho, the University of Coimbra, McMaster University, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences, and others.