At a panel discussion hosted by Equinox at the B4 Summit last month, leaders from Oxfordshire’s public, business and community sectors explored what a more inclusive innovation economy could look like, one that delivers social value alongside economic growth.

Building on that conversation, an upcoming event will ask a key question: how can Oxfordshire’s researchers, businesses, social enterprises, community organisations and policymakers work together to create lasting social impact?

Hosted by the Public and Community Engagement Team at the University of Oxford in partnership with Equinox, the free event will bring together people from across sectors to explore how collaboration and innovation can improve outcomes for communities throughout the county. Bursary support is available for those who need it to support their attendance.

Community Connections: Open Space for Social Innovation, will be held on Thursday, 9 July at the King’s Centre in Oxford, and will provide an opportunity for all those involved in social innovation, community wealth building and systems change to connect, share ideas and develop partnerships that will help to drive meaningful long-term change.

Bringing diverse voices together

The organisers are inviting participation from a broad range of stakeholders, including University researchers, social entrepreneurs, members of Oxfordshire’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, local government representatives, and businesses seeking to strengthen their social value and community impact.

By bringing together individuals and organisations with different experiences and perspectives, the event aims to foster new conversations around some of the region’s most pressing social and economic challenges, in order to effect meaningful and lasting change.

Open Space

Rather than following a traditional conference format, the event will use an Open Space approach, putting participants at the centre of the agenda.

Open Space events are designed to encourage active participation and shared ownership of discussions. Instead of following a predetermined programme, attendees are invited to bring their own topics, questions and challenges related to social innovation in Oxfordshire.

All participants will have the opportunity to shape conversations around the issues that matter most to them.

This flexible format encourages creativity, collaboration and the emergence of unexpected connections, often leading to new partnerships and practical action beyond the event itself.

Building social value across Oxfordshire

As organisations increasingly recognise the importance of delivering social value alongside economic growth in order to reduce barriers to innovation and shared prosperity over the longer term, events such as this are vital in strengthening the networks and relationships needed to create lasting change.

The event is free to attend, and anyone with an interest in improving social outcomes through innovation and collaboration is encouraged to take part.

For more information about the conference and how to register go to  Community Connections: Open Space for Social Innovation Tickets, Thursday, July 9  •  10 AM – 2 PM | Eventbrite

For more information about Equinox, visit www.oxfordequinox.com or  email contact@oxfordequinox.com.