This research will examine the role of partnerships in the success of social innovation initiatives and enterprises in the Maritimes. The term social innovation is a term often used, but not necessarily well understood. Research shows that this is especially true in the Maritimes. In the face of impending and pressing social issues such as climate change, food insecurity, and homelessness, amongst others, I suggest that for a region like the Maritimes, collaborative partnerships for social innovation can and will allow the region to more effectively address these issues.

This research project will look at how public and private stakeholders in the Maritimes can better leverage partnerships with social enterprises to help raise social well-being. Centering around the hypothesis that partnerships are an effective social innovation strategy for the Maritimes. The report will demonstrate that social enterprises can be actors of change and holistic growth and that improving partnerships play an important role in this change.

The targeted audience for this report is social entrepreneurs, governments, and other individuals or organizations looking to increase the profile and role of social innovation in the Maritimes. Not only will it describe the role of social enterprises, but also provide a better understanding of the intersection between social innovation and partnerships, demonstrating how they can be a strategy to ameliorate social obstacles to growth in the Maritimes.