As part of the Erasmus+ project Social Impact Manager (SIM), a pilot lifelong learning program of the same name was conducted during the summer semester. The SIM program was developed under the leadership of colleagues from the Faculty of Economics, University of Rijeka, in collaboration with the University of Peloponnese, University Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, University of Milano-Bicocca, and the Platform for Adult Vocational Education from Austria.

The foundation for the program’s development was background research conducted according to a predefined methodology in all five partner countries. This included direct work with local businesses and communities, interviews, and focus groups. In Croatia, this part was carried out by Knowledge Network, making a crucial contribution to shaping the role of social impact manager – based on the real needs of the local community.

The SIM pilot program in Croatia took place at the Faculty of Economics, University of Rijeka, from April 22 to June 17. Out of 26 registered participants, 21 were actively engaged throughout the course. The program addressed topics such as integrating social impact into business strategies, corporate governance, territorial analysis, stakeholder engagement, project management, and impact assessment and reporting. A visit to Jadran-Galenski laboratorij (JGL), one of Croatia’s leading pharmaceutical companies, added particular value by offering participants firsthand insight into practical examples of successful social impact management.

The final event was a hackathon – a full-day workshop where participants, working in teams, developed creative solutions to real social challenges. These included promoting social impact through board games, fundraising for local initiatives, fostering a culture of corporate volunteering, and encouraging inclusive entrepreneurship and socially responsible jobs. Seven teams presented their solutions, with Team Tea/Čaj, Team 3AM, and Team No.1 standing out as the most successful.

Selected participants will have the opportunity to participate in the International SIM School in Paris this November – a three-day event fully funded by the EU that brings together global social impact leaders for collaboration, inspiration, and joint development.

All activities are funded through the Erasmus+ Program. More about the SIM program at EFRI can be found here.