The European Union launched last week a new initiative aimed at social innovation. Called Social Innovation Europe, it aims to create a 'dynamic, entrepreneurial and innovative new Europe.'

Indeed. Strong words on the subject by the EU: "The time has come for Europe to embrace the broad concept of innovation and set an example globally. By 2014, Social Innovation Europe will have become the meeting place - virtual and real - for social innovators, entrepreneurs, non-profit organisations, policy makers and anyone else who is inspired by social innovation in Europe."

Through a series of gatherings, and a new online resource, Social Innovation Europe aims to:

• connect projects and people who can share experiences and learn from each other;
• develop an easily accessible resource bank - so you can find about other projects, organisations and ways of working;
• develop a resource bank of up to date policies at local and national levels and provide information on funding opportunities;
• facilitate new relationships between civil society, governments, public sector institutions and relevant private sector bodies
• develop concrete recommendations in financing and in upscaling/mainstreaming of social innovation in Europe