Innovation: The Lifeline for Social Care
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
Last month, the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), in collaboration with College Local Innovation Centres (CLIC), was delighted to organise the first ever Social Care Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp.
Over three weeks (from 26th February to the 14th March 2025) this first-of-its-kind training (delivered in-person by Stuart McDowall from City of Glasgow College) equipped social care professionals with the skills to think entrepreneurially and apply innovative approaches to their work. The final day saw participants pitch their own innovation proposals - something many couldn’t have imagined doing just weeks before!
The programme demonstrated the power of networking, collaboration, and ecosystem building. Participants left with a stronger understanding of innovation—not just as a concept but as a structured process that can drive real change in social care.
Key takeaways included:
Recognising that innovation is more than just technology - it’s also about service and organisational improvement.
Understanding how innovation can help navigate sector challenges, such as mergers and restructuring.
Collaboration is crucial – networking and ecosystem building were highlighted as essential elements of driving change within the sector.
Overcoming Barriers to Innovation
However, despite the enthusiasm for innovation, structural barriers remain. Many social care organisations face tight budgets, making it difficult to invest in new initiatives. There’s also a common misconception that innovation is purely about technology, which can deter participation.
To address this, future training may need to be framed around service or quality improvement rather than just ‘innovation’, making it more relatable and accessible to a wider audience.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Social Care Innovation
The Social Care Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp demonstrated that innovation is not just a buzzword—it is a necessity for the future of social care. The enthusiasm, ideas, and confidence generated through this training are just the beginning. With ongoing support and refinement, initiatives like this can empower social care professionals to drive meaningful change in their organisations and beyond.
As we reflect on this milestone, one thing is clear: innovation is the lifeline for social care, and the journey is just getting started.
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