THE BENEFITS OF SOCIAL INNOVATION AND UNIVERSITY COLLABORATION
Collaboration between social enterprises and universities can lead to innovation and positive social impact. Ways in which social enterprises and universities can collaborate include research partnerships, student internships, and joint projects.
A recent report by Hassan & Read of Birmingham University gives an excellent insight into this; Civic Universities: Powerhouses of Economic and Social Impact - Civic University Network
Govan Community Project were given an opportunity to engage with Glasgow University in July 2024. At that time both their Business Studies (MBA) and Computing Science departments were looking for Enterprise partners to work with on curriculum specific projects.
These fruitful collaborations have proven to be of significant value to GCP and their subsidiary social enterprise VoiceOver voiceoverinterpreting.co.uk
IT DEVELOPMENT
Glasgow University’s School of Computing Science (GUSCS) were the first Department we had the pleasure to work with.
VoiceOver uses some technology that is no longer fit for purpose and needed to explore options. Despite a plethora of "free" to Not for Profit options it was clear hidden costs were considerable and implementation could cost us over £30,000. We have been able to identify cost effective solutions by working with two GUCS student teams and now have a clear plan on how we can improve our systems within our own limited budget.
WEB DESIGN
The VoiceOver website was dated and badly in need of an upgrade. We received support to undertake a re-brand of VoiceOver in 2023 and the results were tremendous, thanks to Bold Design. Money then became the issue, which is where Napier University came to the rescue. We now have a spiffy new website courtesy of the Napier University Projex Programme which is run through the University's School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.
As with GUCS we were privileged to work with a team of talented students who really gave it their all to make our project a success.
Business development away day
MARKETING and GROWTH STRATEGIES
Adam Smith Business School (ASBS). - We had the opportunity to engage with them via the Glasgow and Edinburgh Social Enterprise Networks through the Scottish Government funded Social Enterprise Challenge. SEC is a joint initiative between Glasgow and Queen Margaret University.
Once again we were matched with a team of students who were outstanding in their understanding of our sector and committed to helping make a change. Our team dedicated their time to understanding how VoiceOver works and the contribution it makes to the ongoing stability of GCP. Their Grant to Growth Transition Plan was an excellent piece of work and thoroughly deserved first place in the SEC awards.
To make the most of University collaboration projects you need to be very clear what it is you want to achieve. Normally these programmes require some form filling and in many cases you will need to pitch your proposal to the student teams. Don’t let this put you off, the rewards can be significant and can lead to long lasting relationships that will truly benefit your organisation.