Social Innovation Lab
The Conestoga Social Innovation Lab (CSIL) fosters partnerships between Conestoga College applied researchers and cooperatives, nonprofits, social enterprises, and change-makers. These partnerships focus on solving our partners' problems to create a societal impact.
Explore a partnership
Want to explore collaborating with CSIL? Fill out the Partnership Form and/or book a meeting with our director.
Who we partner with
Partnership principles
- Social change: Our partnerships focus on supporting social change with a long-term positive societal impact.
- Community-based research: Our collaborative research approach is undertaken on behalf of and in support of organizations and change-makers.
- Applied research: Our research addresses real-world problems supporting the implementation of practical solutions.
- Knowledge mobilization: Our results are shared widely to allow others to learn from the findings.
- Student learning: Our work provides Conestoga College students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in applied social innovation research.
CSIL impact
Exploring food, belonging, and community through narrative with international students
This mixed-methods research project explored the connections between food, storytelling, and community-building among international students at Conestoga. In partnership with the Kuwait Aid Network, the team conducted a student survey, hosted community consultations, and gathered qualitative data through four writing pop-up events that invited students to share stories and reflections related to food, identity, and belonging.
Advancing sustainable procurement through supplier evaluation at Conestoga
This project explored how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria could be applied to supplier evaluation to support more sustainable procurement practices at the college. A campus-wide questionnaire was distributed to Conestoga’s supplier base to establish a sustainability baseline, identify gaps and strengths, and strengthen the college’s alignment with responsible procurement goals.
Understanding the human side of supply chain decision-making
This research explores the behavioural factors that influence supply chain decision-making in Canada's logistics sector.
Our team
Meet our subject matter experts
By the numbers (2024)
9
Partners
11
Active projects
22
Students hired
Contact
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