The Collaborative Laboratory for Labour, Employment and Social Protection (CoLABOR) was approved by the International Evaluation Committee of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). This Laboratory aims to produce knowledge that supports the elaboration of social policies, especially in the areas of labour, employment, social security and protection and social and solidarity economy.

Santiago de Compostela’s Councillor for Economy and Finance María Rozas and Councillor for Rural Affairs Rafael Peña visited the covered walkway that has been finished thanks to the 2017 “Compostela Decides” programme, a Participatory Budgeting scheme. The footpath at Lamas de Abade connects the elementary school to the high school.

As part of the Atlantic Social Lab project, Cork City Council organised a “Learning and Sharing Laboratory” for Social Enterprises which was held on the 22nd of May 2018. This event was a major success and linked social enterprises with support organisations whilst also facilitating networking and the collection of data to digitally map the social enterprises in Cork.

Enterprise North West are now able to progress with the planned Design Thinking - Innovation Lab and Green Inclusive & Circular Economy Technology Projects, starting in September this year having awarded the delivery of the contracts.

50 people took part in a meeting in Brest on the 5th of July. Public authorities and SSEs shared their ambition to increase reuse in Finistère (a part of Bretagne territory).

Among the identified objectives, local stakeholders will try to develop reusing materials in artistic activities and to mutualise their supply chain.

Participants also highlighted the need for a change in French and European regulations, so that landfill become less advantageous than reuse.

Everything is ready for the fourth coordination meeting and study visits at Rennes, to take place on the 3rd and 4th of July. 

We will meet up on Tuesday at our partner host’s venue, CRESS Bretagne. Our first morning with begin with an overview provided by DEX, and a working session in which the working group partners will present a progress report on pilot actions. Afterwards, the partners will update us about the mapping exercise, the Capìtalization Plan, the Communication Plan and the progress of the project. 

Councillor of Treasury María Rozas will be present at the fourth coordination meeting of the Atlantic Social Lab project, of which the Council of Santiago de Compostela is a member.

Our visit to the Portuguese town of Vila Nova de Famalicão last November was highly instructive in terms of social innovation and local development strategy. 

Santiago Town Council has started accepting applications for funds in the “Compostela Decides 2019” Participatory Budget programme. Between now and the 6th of July, anybody over 16 can submit investment and activity proposals targeting Santiago de Compostela as a whole, their district or their parish, for youth activities or next year’s fiesta for the patron saint.

On March 6 we met in Derry for three days of visits from which we learnt about many interesting initiatives in the fields of arts and social economy.