Science meets society: How do social innovations succeed? – Working together for a good life and ageing in the region

Demographic change is transforming our lives – in the family, at work, in the neighborhood – and poses major challenges for rural regions in particular. The ability to innovate – the power to think and boldly implement new ideas – is a prerequisite for mastering major social challenges. This is precisely where social innovations come in: fresh approaches and creative solutions to noticeably improve local life. They provide impetus for the active and collaborative shaping of social change. They create encounters, strengthen cohesion and open up new perspectives where others only see problems. The question is: Which ideas bring people together? Which initiatives create trust, promote togetherness and provide impetus that will lead rural areas into a vibrant future?

Answers will be provided on September 18, 2025 at the "Science meets Society" series of events, the highlight of the "Tour of Good Ageing" rolling conference. In Fürstenwalde, stakeholders from science, civil society, administration and citizens will come together to discuss research on rural areas, good practice and participation – and to continue working with you on sustainable concepts for participation and services of general interest.

Three impulses from science and practice will kick off the subsequent panel discussion with other guests and the audience, moderated by Carla Kniestedt:

• Social Innovation Capability in Peripheral Regions of Eastern Germany | The research team of the Project GITpRO of the University of Greifswald (Ihar Buika, Tillmann Meisel, Johannes Müller) uses interviews, network analyses and surveys in two regions (Oderland-Spree and Vorpommern) to analyze how commitment, discourses and actor networks influence the innovative power of rural areas and discuss strategies to strengthen them.
• Die Alterperimentale – Für ein gutes Leben im Alter auf dem Land | Prof. Dr. Alexandra Retkowski (BTU Cottbus) shows how science, civil society and business work together with senior citizens to develop ideas to sustainably improve the lives of older people in rural areas – with a transdisciplinary approach that incorporates the productive ideas and potential of senior citizens themselves.
• Defending civic values – caring action in rural areas | Prof. Dr. Inga Haese (Catholic University of Applied Sciences Berlin) presents strategies based on empirical studies with which associations can strengthen democratic values, create open meeting spaces, actively shape politics and counter uncivil tendencies. Committed people in rural regions do valuable work for social cohesion on a daily basis – often through community care.

When and where?

Thursday, September 18, 2025 
Fürstenwalder Hof in Fürstenwalde/Spree
https://fürstenwalder-hof.de/

5 p.m.: Arrival and networking
6–7:15 p.m.: Impulses from science & practice
7:15-8 p.m.: Panel discussion with audience participation | Moderation: Carla Kniestedt