Zentrum für Soziale Innovation (ZSI)
The Centre for Social Innovation (Zentrum für Soziale Innovation, ZSI) is a private, not-for-profit research institute associated to the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna. Since its foundation in 1990, work is organised interdisciplinary and situated extensively within international networks. Scientific qualifications and practical experiences of the 30+ regular employees encompass labour market, education and training, evaluation, ethnic business, European research and technology development, technology assessment, environmental issues and cultural studies. The ZSI applies research, education and consulting to fill in the gaps between social needs and potentials in the knowledge based society of present time. Through connecting systematically the scientific basis and an orientation on application the ZSI fulfils a function as an interface beyond scientific disciplines and sectors. Studies and practical projects address European and global issues of fundamental social, political and economic relevance. Proceeding from a sociological approach and a transdisciplinary perspective ZSI offers analyses and concepts for trend-setting social innovation in its thematically focused areas as well as assessment and evaluation of innovative projects. Furthermore it is highly experienced in evaluating e-learning courses being partner in a Network of Excellence “Professional E-learning”.
