At the end of the UC, the student will be able to:
1. Develop analytical and critical thinking skills combining analysis, judgment and creativity to generate innovative solutions and make balanced strategic decisions in a global environment.
2. Get a clear understanding of the possibilities of design thinking, with a practical understanding of how different organizations can benefit from design thinking strategies and techniques.
3. Allow students to learn critical thinking skills
4. Define creativity, understand how creativity can be stimulated, and describe the three types of idea management systems.
5. Understand the importance of teams, team structures and networks for innovation.
6. Be familiar with the concepts and language of public policy studies
7. Know the conception and design phase of public policies and design a public policy

Part I:
Public Policy Analysis
a. Policies and Politics
b. Government Institutions and Political Actors
c. Public Policy Design and Policymaking
Political Process: The Public Policy Cycle
Policy Agenda Setting
a. Fundamental Concepts
b. Multiple Streams Model, Punctuated Equilibrium, and Others
Policy Formulation
a. Problem Definition
b. Objective Formulation
c. Outcomes, Effectiveness, and Efficiency
Multilevel Governance and Multilevel Policy Formulation
Implementation, Error, and Learning
a. Top-down and Bottom-up Approaches
b. Organizational Processes
c. Learning from Implementation
Part II:
Introduction to Design Thinking
The Power of Why
Storytelling and Preparing the Mind
The Idea Generation Process and Overcoming Resistance
Mind Mapping
What Impresses and What Works
Designing Communication that Moves People
Creative Thinking and Digital Transformation

The assessment of this curricular unit consists of:

Throughout the semester with individual assignments, in accordance with the guidelines provided on the e-learning platform, as example:
a) Policy analysis/formulation report (60%)
b) Video recorded by the student to present final reflections and observations on the main learning topics (40%).

or

By exam, which consists of an individual assignment, in accordance with the guidelines provided on the e-learning platform:

a) Policy analysis/formulation report (60%)
b) Video recorded by the student online to present final reflections and observations on the main learning topics (40%).

"a) ability to articulate the ecological perspective with the practice of social intervention;
b) articulate / relate the theoretical and methodological knowledge for the design of social intervention projects and their operationalization in vulnerable territorial contexts;
c) conduct an interdisciplinary practice in vulnerable areas/territories with people;
(d) elaborate/prepare critical evaluations and assessments, including reflections on the ethical and social implications and responsibilities, in this field for the social well-being of the person."

"1 - Eco-social model:
- Conceptual dimensions
- Multifocal vision;
- Sustainable development Vs social sustainability;
2 - Levels of social intervention and of Social Work intervention:
- Interdisciplinary approach;
- Welfare Dimension Vs Social and Human Development;
- Human promotion;
- Community dimension of socio-local development;
- Socio-political dimension.
3 - The ecological issue:
- dimensions of ecological sustainability of the communities;
- methodology of social intervention of sustainability from community intervention programs;
- analysis of the social effects of the ecological crisis.
4- Social Work and ecological sustainability:
- integrated and participatory multi-level intervention for multidimensional approaches to individual-environment relations;
- social transition of the society;
- alternative intervention strategies, social advocacy and empowerment;
5 - Systemic Eco-social Social Work as:
- Global Ethical Challenges"

"Participated exhibition of the theoretical contents, with the support of the new technologies.
The classes will be collective spaces of debate of ideas and proposals promoting a constructive critical reflection, development and debate of topics related to the programmatic contents."

LO 1. Innovative skills: acquire knowledge of innovative practices in the field of social intervention, in contact with incubator professionals, through practical workshops of experimentation in real contexts.
LO2. Problem-solving : Identify and solve complex social problems using innovative approaches. Case studies and group projects will promote critical reflection and practical application of acquired knowledge, encouraging collaboration and creativity.
LO3. Practical skills: Develop technical skills in managing social innovation projects. Practical workshops and group projects in a hands-on environment using the tools and methods discussed in class.
LO4. Reflexive analysis: Discuss social challenges related to social innovation and the impact of their interventions, encouraging creative solutions to complex social problems.

1. Active Methodologies: implementation of techniques such as Design Thinking and Project-Based Learning.
Use of Technologies.
2. Measuring and managing impact: Concepts and methodologies
Defining social and environmental impact.
Evaluation tools and techniques.
Case studies of evaluated projects.
3. Design of an impact measurement and management plan
Identifying indicators and metrics.
Definition of evaluation periods.
Develop measurement and management plans.
4. Different types lab: Ideation: participants learn to identify business opportunities and create creative solutions to existing problems.
Business Model Canvas: effective business models, allowing young people to understand how to structure their idea
Digital Marketing: publicising and promoting products or services using digital tools. Finance for Entrepreneurs:
5. Impact measurement and management reports
Reflecting on change and ongoing impact management.

Case Studies (80%) (individual or group work): Analysis of real case studies on the application of innovative practices in social and environmental interventions. Identification of good practices, challenges and suggestions for improvement. Objective: To assess the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, to reflect critically and to propose innovative solutions.
Critical Thinking (20%) Description: Discussions and critical reflection on social challenges related to social innovation and the impact of interventions. These discussions will be based on experiences presented in class. Objective: To assess the ability to critically reflect and apply to practice.
This assessment structure ensures that students comprehensively develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to apply innovative practices in social and environmental interventions. Case studies and group projects allow for the practical and integrated application of acquired knowledge, while hands-on workshops develop technical skills. Critical reflection ensures an understanding of the impact of interventions and the application of ethical principles. The assessment for this course does not include the possibility of an examination.

"Integration of new concepts in social work: Training in the development of new concepts and practices in modern social work, adapting to current trends and needs. Understanding Social Innovation: Identify and apply social innovation concepts in different contexts, promoting creative solutions to social problems that are aligned with the promotion of inclusion and equity.
Leadership and empowerment skills: Training to lead teams and promote positive change in communities.
Social Responsibility and Sustainability: Acquiring knowledge about social responsibility and the best ways to integrate sustainable practices into organizational policies and strategies, developing partnerships to leverage social initiatives."

"1. Principles of innovation and social sustainability:
- Definition and philosophy of social innovation.
- Social sustainability and its impact on communities.
- The role of social work in promoting sustainability.
2. Theories of social change:
- Theoretical models of social change.
- Social innovation as a driver of change.
- Case studies of successful practices.
3. Developing innovative strategies:
- Leading to Impact.
- Managing resources and strategic partnerships.
4. Public Policy and Social Innovation:
- Analysis of public policies in national and international contexts.
- The role of policy in the promotion of social innovation.
- Advocacy and participation.
5. Ethics and social responsibility in innovation:
- Ethical challenges in innovation and social changes.
- Corporate social responsibility practices.
- Inclusion and equity in social interventions."

"The teaching and learning methods are linked to the pedagogical model with the aim of providing students with a comprehensive and practical training:
1. Theoretical classes - promoting the study and development of concepts and new terminology in social work.
2. practical and motivational workshops - developing skills. Students will have the opportunity to experiment and apply techniques and develop skills in leadership and team empowerment. Activities with social innovation professionals and analysis of public policy implementation dynamics linked to intervention strategies will enable students to acquire skills in the areas of impact and social innovation.
3. Case Studies - The analysis of real-world case studies is a powerful methodology for linking theory and practice. Students will analyze concrete examples of social innovation projects, identifying good practices and challenges faced. This methodology promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, encouraging students to think outside the box and apply their acquired knowledge in real-world contexts.
4. Group Dynamics - As a central component of this unit, this unit promotes collaboration and the integrated application of ideas in a reflective manner. Students will work together to develop ideas that demonstrate the practical application of innovation concepts in social intervention. This methodology not only increases technical skills, but also develops teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
5. Ethical Discussions - Ethical discussions are incorporated into theoretical classes and case studies to ensure understanding and application of ethical principles related to social and environmental innovation, fostering responsible professionals who are aware of the impact on the lives of people in their communities."

I. Develop a critical thinking about the Digital Social Work / E-Social Work in the context of the new dynamics of contemporary society.
II. Apply methodologies that integrate digital tools in professional practice
III. Plan integrated interventions within the scope of Digital Social Work

I. Conceptual dimensions of digital tools in social intervention
i.i Questioning the concept of E-Social Work / Digital Social Work
i.ii Digital social networks and other digital tools based on the Internet.
i.iii Social Big Data, Thich Data and Smart Data
i.iv Technology and Social Service: Internet of Things (IoT)
II. Models of social intervention with a focus on digital tools
ii.i Classic Digital Model: telephone counseling, electronic social networks, e-mail, and text messages.
ii.ii Comtemporary Digital Model: online counseling, video counseling, cybertherapy (avatar therapy), self-guided Web-based interventions, online Group Social Work, technological-based community intervention
III. Debates on digital social intervention in contemporary society
iii.i Presentation and discussion of experiences and projects at international level

The course has one evaluation modality: "Final evaluation".
The evaluation of the Curricular Unit consists of an individual written work on a topic related to digital tools in social intervention and which should be discussed with the teacher (maximum 8 pages).
or
Final Exam

"By the end of the Project Work in Innovation and Social Sustainability course, students should be able to
LO1. Select and justify the use of appropriate methodologies for the development of innovation and social sustainability projects.
LO2. Analyze and critically evaluate the main challenges and opportunities in defining problems and planning solutions in innovation and social sustainability projects, in the different phases and stages of the project.
LO3. Plan, develop and present an innovation and social sustainability project, integrating sustainable and innovative practices that promote the implementation of applied projects that integrate socially and environmentally sustainable practices.
LO4. Propose and formulate innovative and sustainable solutions to identified problems, taking into account their technical and operational feasibility."

"1. Innovation and social sustainability as producers of knowledge for intervention.
2. Theoretical, methodological and ethical references for the development of innovation and social sustainability projects.
3. Diagnosis of challenges and opportunities for innovation and social sustainability.
4. Planning and development of innovation and social sustainability projects
5. Methods and tools for project evaluation
6. Communication and presentation of projects and results."

"The project work in innovation and social sustainability will be assessed by a jury based on the project written and presented by each student, with the main evaluation elements being
1. Innovation and social sustainability project.
2. Presentation and public discussion of the project.

The evaluation of the project work includes both the technical and scientific quality of the report and the communication and public defense skills of the student. The main criteria for evaluating the project are: the innovation of the proposed solutions, assessing the originality, relevance and impact of the ideas developed; the quality and organization of the report, including the clarity and coherence of its structure; the theoretical framework and methodological strategy and the logic between the different sections of the project; and the presentation of ethically responsible solutions, particularly in the area of social and environmental sustainability. The presentation and public discussion of the project will assess the student's ability to effectively communicate the main elements of the project, defend the work, justify the methodological choices, present the results obtained and discuss the proposed solutions, responding critically to the choices made during the development of the project and to the questions or comments raised."