A 2025 survey conducted by the Government Council on Social Innovation (GCSI) found that while some countries have connected social innovation to charity law or social economy strategies, the majority lack formal definitions, institutional support, or coordinated policy approaches. There is minimal alignment across regions, limited shared legal language, and few platforms for cross-sector collaboration.
GCSI defines social innovation as the process and outcome of developing new approaches to solve societal challenges that affect people and the planet. It prioritizes inclusive, equitable, and effective models that improve how public value is created and delivered.
GCSI is currently working with over 70 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These governments are co-developing national strategies, piloting legal and fiscal reforms, and participating in peer learning networks to build capacity and alignment. Partners include the African Union, OECD, UNDP, and the World Bank.
The strategy is structured around seven key areas: policy development, financing, knowledge sharing, social impact measurement, communication and awareness, technology for public good, and ecosystem building. A three-year implementation plan outlines clear milestones, including the development of national policy templates, regional dialogues, financing toolkits, and open-access knowledge hubs.
By the end of Year 3, the goal is for at least ten countries to have adopted or revised social innovation strategies, five regional blocs to endorse the global framework, and over 100 innovations to be documented and shared through GCSI platforms.
The full strategy is available at www.governmentcouncil.org. It includes guidance for policymakers, funders, civic institutions, and technical partners working to integrate social innovation into public systems.
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