100 + INNOVATIONS
Centre for Social Impact
Developing people and partnerships that accelerate social innovations for sustainable and inclusive economies
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Challenge
Australia faces persistent social inequality, large-scale energy transitions, fragmented funding systems and limited data transparency that hinders effective responses. Communities, governments and organisations often lack evidence-based tools to mobilise resources and scale solutions. CSI addresses these gaps by generating knowledge, frameworks and partnerships that improve decision-making and enable lasting social impact.
Solution
CSI delivers applied research and tailored education to ensure social impact is central to decision-making. It creates evidence-based frameworks, data tools and policy recommendations that guide strategy, investment and environmental restoration. Partnering with communities, government, philanthropy and industry, it ensures practical, scalable solutions embedded across systems.
CSI empowers people and organisations to strengthen transparency, embed purpose in governance, improve outcomes and unlock investment for social and environmental value
Target customers / end-users
• policymakers designing effective social and economic reform
• for-purpose or for-profit organisations seeking impact evidence and strategies
• investors and funders mobilising capital for measurable social outcomes.
Progress
• informed national policy on social enterprise and impact investing
• delivers education programs to more than 3000 current and future leaders yearly
• partnered with government, philanthropy and industry on systemic reform initiatives.
Research Centre
10 + active collaborations
Cross-sector networks
Housing & Connected Communities
The Centre for Social Impact( CSI) at UNSW is a national leader in research and education, building evidence to improve inclusive prosperity within planetary boundaries. It influences policy, guides investment and builds professional capacity. It also fosters cross-sector collaboration to reduce inequality, deliver naturebased climate solutions and improve social outcomes.
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