At the Social Innovation Hub at Rhodes University, we recognize the need for spaces where individuals can connect, share knowledge, and cultivate a sense of belonging within their communities. Our mission is to foster these connections and provide a platform for collaborative growth and mutual understanding.

By embracing the transformative potential of technology, we aim to enhance the innovativeness and entrepreneurial capacity of our community members, especially in addressing the grand challenges we face today.

Communities that are cohesive and well-connected offer individuals a support system that can help to foster a sense of safety, trust, and mutual understanding. When people feel connected to their community, they are more likely to be engaged and involved in activities which contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This cohesion can help to facilitate the sharing of resources, knowledge, and skills, enabling individuals to benefit from the collective strengths and assets of their community. This can be particularly important for individuals or groups who may face significant social, economic, or political challenges. Community cohesion can also help to promote social capital - the collective resources, networks, and relationships that exist within a community. 

The Social Innovation Hub aims to harness the transformative potential of technology in improving innovativeness and entrepreneurial capacity to address social challenges.

By leveraging digital tools and platforms, the programme facilitates communication, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among community members, and promotes the development of innovative solutions to local problems.

Focusing on levels of digital access ensures that all community members can participate in the process of social innovation, regardless of their background or resources. By combining digital innovation and social innovation, to address usage, skills, motivation and material access, the SI Hub aims to create a more connected, inclusive, and empowered community that is better equipped to address the complex challenges of our time.

• Social Innovation and Enterprise Development
• Digital Literacy
• Digital Storytelling 
• Digital Resource Library 

For more information, contact Thandiwe Matyobeni on t.matyobeni@ru.ac.za or 046 603 7227

Last Modified: Wed, 20 Mar 2024 11:53:14 SAST