Entrepreneurship, Social Innovation and Volunteering

This Short Advanced Programme (SAP) is jointly coordinated by Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave (IPCA) and Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS), delivered under the Entrepreneurship strand of Work Package 4.

In today’s increasingly global and competitive markets, adaptability and continuous learning are essential. Societal, environmental, political, and economic challenges impact our collective well-being, varying across geographical, historical, and socio-economic contexts. Addressing these complex issues requires active collaboration between government, businesses, and non-profit organisations, leveraging social capital to foster sustainable regional development and overall well-being.

Social entrepreneurship offers a community-driven approach to tackling these challenges, with social economy organisations prioritising solidarity-based relationships within their environments. As paradigms shift and challenges grow, it is crucial to analyse society through a strategic and sustainable lens. Education plays a vital role in driving social change, helping to build a supportive, sustainable, and inclusive ecosystem for social entrepreneurship.

Date:

22nd of September 2025 to 10th of October 2025

Language of instruction:

English

2 ECTS credits

Academic recognition:

To be defined by each Home Institution. In general, most students will have the SAP certified in the Diploma Supplement, as a minimal condition.

Eligible participants:

Students from any study cycle, with a particular emphasis on students with Management, Engineering, and Design profiles.

How to apply:

Application for this product is not yet possible.

Planned application opening date: 16th of June 2025

Programme at a glance

Week 1 (online)
22 Sep 2025 - 26 Sep 2025
online sessions (lectures, individual and group work)
Week 2 (online)
29 Sep 2025 - 04 Oct 2025
online sessions (lectures, individual and group work)
Week 3: In Person (in person)
06 Oct 2025 - 10 Oct 2025 : Campus IPCA Barcelos Portugal
October 6th – Morning (2h) Topic: Welcome / Cultural Activities Professor: All Mode: Outside October 6th – Afternoon (4h) Topic: Kick-off Session Professor: All Mode: In class (IPCA) October 7th – Morning (4h) Topic: Workshop 1 – Case Study 1 Professor: NGO Mode: In class (IPCA) October 7th – Afternoon (4h) Topic: Workshop 2 – Case Study 2 Professor: Public Entity Mode: Outside October 8th – Morning (2h) Topic: Workshop 3 – Case Study 3 Professor: Private Company Mode: Outside October 8th – Afternoon (4h) Topic: Teaming Activities Professor: Facilitators Mode: In class (IPCA) October 9th – Morning (2h) Topic: Teaming Activities Professor: Facilitators Mode: In class (IPCA) October 9th – Afternoon (4h) Topic: Teaming Activities + Final Presentations Professor: All Mode: In class (IPCA) October 10th – Morning (2h) Topic: Balance Sheet + Farewell Activity Professor: All Mode: In class (IPCA) October 10th – Afternoon (4h) Topic: Multicultural Activity Professor: All Mode: Outside (IPCA)

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Short Advanced Programme, students will be able to:

Critically think about the contribution that any individual can offer to society.

Identify opportunities for change and exchange.

Know best practices for social innovation and even be able to replicate them in other contexts.

Understand the importance of networking and working in an international multidisciplinary team.

Comprehend the impact of local culture and tradition in the social entrepreneurship process.

Selection criteria

Selection Procedure and Criteria: number of submissions, motivation, even representation of subjected areas/field of study and balance representation of RUN-EU members institution;

Minimum Number of Students to be selected: 30

Product label: SAP-ENTSIVOL-01