Scotland is renowned around the world as a country of inventions and innovators, from scientific breakthroughs to engineering masterpieces to cultural successes.
We also boast a rich heritage of traditional cultures and an impressive record in contemporary arts, music and performance - showcased by the world-famous Edinburgh Festivals which kick off this week.
However we also face tough social and environmental challenges such as unemployment, social inequality, housing and health issues.
Today social enterprise agency Firstport is launching a search for the next generation of Scottish social innovators who have the potential to make a real difference to their communities.
Delivered on behalf of the Scottish Government, the Social Innovation Competition offers three £5000 prizes along with tailored business support to the most exciting, innovative ideas tackling social issues.
The competition – which opens for applications today (8 August) - celebrates and supports individuals and start up companies in Scotland that are using their creativity and imagination to solve pressing social issues, focusing this year on culture, heritage and tourism.
There are many definitions of social innovation, but in its broadest sense, we are looking for entries that show that their ideas (a product, service or business model) offer new solutions to a social need, or address a need more effectively or efficiently than existing solutions.
The winning entries will also be able to demonstrate that their ideas will lead to a better use of assets and resources, new relationships and/or collaborations amongst sectors and society.
The three winners, including one young social innovator aged under 30, will be announced at an awards ceremony in the Scottish Parliament in November and receive £5000 each alongside support from Firstport.
Firstport, Scotland’s social enterprise development agency, has supported over 900 budding social entrepreneurs and worked with many Scottish social innovators to help them get their ideas off the ground, such as Glasgow community drinks company Bottle of Ginger, and Uist Wool, a spinning mill & wool centre in the Hebrides.
The winners of last year’s inaugural Social Innovation Competition include Pianos on Prescription which help people experiencing difficulties including isolation, loneliness, depression by offering free access to instruments and lessons in Glasgow.
The Pianos on Prescription scheme aims not just to help people learn a musical skill but also receive one-to-one attention and be supported through a process of gaining greater connection with others.
Studio Pop, Young Social Innovator of 2016, is developing DOT-TO-DOT, an innovative digital platform connecting people with projects to reactivate empty sites across Glasgow. With a background in architecture and community regeneration, their ambition is to promote a shared economy and a recycling design culture while improving the environment.
Firstport will be holding a series of information sessions form potential applicants around the country, including Stirling, Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow, over the next two months. Anyone interested in applying should visit www.firstport.org.uk/programmes/socialinnovation for more information. Applications close on Monday 9 October.
Karen McGregor is chief executive of Firstport
