Who is involved in delivering the project?
The Future Innovators project is being delivered through a partnership led by Co-operation Ireland, with Belfast Interface Project, Donegal Youth Service, Animorph (a software development co-operative) and the University of Essex.
What is the project about?
Future Innovators aims to further peacebuilding and reconciliation within and between communities North and South of the Border. Future Innovators will work with communities to develop plans to improve the social economy using social innovation, and in doing so, will build, improve and sustain relationships between communities addressing issues of trust, prejudice and intolerance.
The project involves working with local residents and community organisations in each of the target areas to address social challenges through social innovation and social enterprise approaches. This will also involve the co-design of a digital toolkit that community members and organisations can use to practically envision and design the future of their areas.
Where will the project take place?
Future Innovators is a regional project that will primarily be based in Donegal and the 5 Urban Village areas in Northern Ireland:
- Ardoyne and Greater Ballysillan (North Belfast)
- Bogside, Fountain and Bishop Street (Derry~Londonderry)
- Colin (West Belfast)
- EastSide (East Belfast)
- Sandy Row, Donegall Pass and the Markets (South Belfast)
The project also works on a cross-border basis and will be delivered in Donegal.
Why are we delivering this project?
Funding for the Future Innovators project has been awarded through the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). This is a regional project contributing to the PEACE IV objective of building positive relations.
When will the project take place?
The Future Innovators Project officially launched on Wednesday 27th October 2021, and will run until the end of March 2023.
Where can I find out more information?
Download our infographic to find out more about the project.
If you would like to find out more about the Future Innovators Project, please contact the Project Manager, Laura Reid [email protected]