RAISE – Research Alliance for Innovation in Sustainable Economy
Diesis Network supports the development of the sustainable economy, entrepreneurship and social innovation worldwide. In the past decade, Diesis has found itself at a transformation tipping point, driven by multiple contextual factors, such as globalisation, climate change, rapidly evolving digitalisation, different labour market expectations, intersecting crises of global impact, and economic and societal pressures. Heavy and ever-changing context remains challenging to the sustainable economy, requiring innovative and evidence-based solutions to support sustainable entrepreneurship as its pillar. Research has never been more important for strategic choices on how to develop, shape and respond to these challenges. Ever-growing research networks and alliances globally and in Europe strongly suggest that partnering brings forward multiple benefits for the research and otherorganisations in fulfilling their overall goals and moving the global agenda forward. Yet, there has been no alliancing to refer directly to the variety of challenges involved in advancing research for sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation that scoped key players in the research field for aligned priority setting. More often than not, alliancing pivots around specific projects that set them as a sponsor’s precondition – hence the limitations in scope and purpose of those alliances’ engagements and impact.
SCOPE AND PURPOSE
To close the gap, DIESIS has established the Research Alliance (RA) to focus on research and innovation for sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation, to strengthen its relevance and impact, both internally, to its partners and sponsors, and externally to policy, technical, investment, and research institutions (national, regional, European and global), and to produce public goods.
Building on its decades-long and rich experience and capacities for partnering with over thirty organisations, including in data gathering, analyses and dissemination, and serving as an ecosystem for ecosystems supporting social and solidarity economy worldwide, Diesis branches out through the RA, inviting prominent research entities, scientific entities, research and development entities, policy entities, researchers, research sponsors, research alliances, and all other legal entities with a potential to advance collective progress toward boosting research and innovation for sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation.
RECOGNIZING the importance of sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation for promoting the ecosystem and improving the living standard and quality of life of citizens.
RECOGNIZING both parties’ mission for strengthening ecosystems conducive to sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation.
RECOGNIZING the need for joint action, enhanced cooperation and strengthening partnerships for sustainable entrepreneurship.
What is the Alliance about?
The RAISE – Research Alliance for Innovation in Sustainable Economy is a strategic initiative launched by DIESIS Network to strengthen the role of research and innovation in shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economy. It addresses the critical gap in long-term, cross-sectoral alliances that prioritise sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation beyond single-project logic.
RAISE connects research institutions, policy actors, technical bodies, and social economy organisations to:
– Co-produce knowledge and public goods,
– Align research priorities with real-world needs,
– Facilitate mutual learning and knowledge exchange,
– Influence policy and investment strategies at local, national, and European levels.
Its purpose is to elevate the collective capacity of its members to respond to global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, demographic shifts, by anchoring research in social and sustainable impact.
The cross-sectoral approach of RAISE creates a unique environment where multidisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity thrive, enabling transformative innovation for complex, systemic challenges.
By fostering mutual learning across disciplines and sectors, RAISE strengthens the quality and the impact of research, turning knowledge into meaningful action for a sustainable future.
Today, RAISE count 10 members and 9 more in final phase of joining. Below, we share where RAISE is and will be represented.
Figure 1. Raise Global Representation
A Call to Action
Now is the time to act. RAISE is a growing movement of committed research institutions, researchers, and innovators who believe in the power of knowledge to shape a better future.
We invite you to join us. Contribute your expertise. Share your perspective. Collaborate on transformative research. By becoming part of RAISE, your institution will help build a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economy, grounded in values, powered by innovation, and driven by impact.
Let us align our strengths and move forward together. Join RAISE today and be part of the change.
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