SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS: KEY AGENTS FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY-LED URBAN REGENERATION AND TERRITORIAL INNOVATION

Organizers

Federica Scaffidi, Leibniz University Hannover
Ezio Micelli, Iuav University Venice
Tuna Tasan-Kok, University of Amsterdam

Presenters

Martina Massari, University of Bologna
Sıla Ceren Varış Husar, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava
Ebru Kurt Ozman, University of Amsterdam
Federica Scaffidi, Leibniz University Hannover

Sustainable urban regeneration is increasingly seen as a vital strategy to revitalise neglected urban areas while addressing contemporary social, economic, and environmental challenges. In this context, social entrepreneurs emerge as key agents, combining innovative approaches with community-driven strategies to transform underutilised spaces and foster regional competitiveness and sustainable urban development. In this Special Session, we will discuss the role of social entrepreneurship in urban regeneration and its multifaceted impacts on urban planning, territorial Innovation and sustainability. 

This session will explore how social entrepreneurs leverage urban spaces to drive sustainable regeneration, enhance community cohesion, and promote territorial competitiveness and innovative governance. 

The discussion will address critical questions such as: What are the defining characteristics of social entrepreneurs in this field? What strategies have proven successful in balancing development with social needs? How do the socio-spatial impacts contribute to territorial Innovation and competitiveness? What challenges and barriers do these innovators face, and how can policies better support their efforts? 

This session will feature insights from diverse perspectives, including theoretical research, on-the-ground case studies, and policy frameworks, ensuring a comprehensive dialogue. Highlighted examples will include innovative projects and strategies like promoting the sustainable transformation of neglected sites into cultural hubs, educational centres, and innovative spaces, showcasing the potential of social enterprises to create inclusive, vibrant communities. By focusing on the intersections of social and territorial Innovation, community-driven development, and urban governance, the session aims to generate multidisciplinary research in urban design and planning. 

This special session proposal aligns with AESOP 2025’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and exploring innovative strategies for sustainable urban futures. It seeks to provide actionable insights for academics committed to integrating social entrepreneurship into urban regeneration frameworks. 

The session welcomes researchers with multidisciplinary approaches, using both qualitative and/or quantitative research methods and addressing the following topics:

• The role of social entrepreneurship in transforming underutilized spaces in innovative and vibrant territories.
• Strategies for balancing development and community needs.
• Community engagement and inclusive design in regeneration projects.
• Challenges and barriers in policy and funding frameworks.
• Innovations in sustainable business models for urban development.
• Socio-Spatial Innovation for enhancing regional competitiveness.
• Cross-sector collaborations for impactful urban development.
• Sustainability practices in urban regeneration.
• Case studies on social enterprises driving social, cultural, economic and environmental urban regeneration and territorial Innovation.

Key words: Social Entrepreneurship, Community Needs, Socio-Spatial Innovation, Sustainable Urban Regeneration