Location:
Objective of the practice:
The WE.CA.RE. strategy (WElfare CAntiere REgionale – Welfare Regional Workshop) introduces a new welfare model that goes beyond the traditional assistance-based approach to become a driver of territorial development.
Subtopics of the practice:
Social Innovation, Social Cohesion, Territorial Development, Corporate Welfare, Community Engagement, Public-Private Partnership
Geographical scope of the practice:
Italy
Short summary of the practice:
WE.CA.RE. is a strategy implemented by Piedmont Region (Italy) that integrates social, labor, and economic development policies to promote social cohesion and reduce inequalities. The initiative transforms traditional welfare into a driver for territorial development by combining two main approaches: territorial welfare (developing social innovation projects at the community level) and corporate welfare (improving workers’ quality of life through company-based initiatives). The strategy is funded through European Social Fund (ESF) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Detailed information on the practice:
WE.CA.RE. is based on three innovative elements: Transforms beneficiaries from passive subjects to active agents of change; Integrates social, economic, and labour policies to create new development opportunities; Coordinates public bodies, businesses, third sector organizations, and citizens to develop innovative solutions to social needs This approach aims to simultaneously generate both social and economic positive impacts, promoting the sustainability of interventions through active community participation. The strategy operates through two main pillars: Territorial Welfare Creation of Social Cohesion Districts, Development of innovative social services, Support for social impact entrepreneurship, Implementation of proximity services. Corporate Welfare Implementation of company welfare plans, Inter-company collaborations, Health prevention programs, Sustainable mobility projects. The strategy involves public authorities, private companies, and third sector organizations, promoting a bottom-up approach through co-planning and integration of social and economic policies.
Resources needed:
20 million €
Results achieved:
The strategy has stimulated the experimentation of social innovations in the territories, demonstrating sustainability and replicability.
Potential for learning:
The WE.CA.RE. strategy offers a replicable model of social innovation that can be adopted in other regions to promote social cohesion and territorial development.
Further information:
Keywords:
Social innovation, territorial development, corporate welfare, employee well-being, health and safety at work, training and professional development, work-life balance, social cohesion, community development, proximity services, sustainable development, social infrastructure, caregiving support, smart working
