FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES
National Network
Croatia
Address
Pantovčak 85Country
City
ZagrebMobile Phone
+385989537002Telephone
+385989537002E-Mail (2)
info@cdi.hrWebsite
Click HereYear of Establishment
1987Contact Person1
Dubravko ŠoparJob Title 1
directorContact Person 2
Vladimir KerečeniJob Title 2
CoordinatorOrganisation Type
Non-Governmental OrganizationFields of Activity
Democracy and community development, Environment/Sustainable development, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Youth and educationGeneral Information
Center for Social Innovation (CDI) is a Croatian non-profit research and development organisation specialising in social innovation, youth policy, civic participation and digital transformation. CDI designs and implements applied research, policy analysis and capacity-building initiatives in cooperation with civil society organisations, public authorities, universities and international networks. Its expertise includes mixed-methods research, survey design, focus groups, evidence-based policy recommendations and the development of practical tools for youth work and civic engagement. CDI has participated in European cooperation projects under the Erasmus+ Programme, contributing to research, innovation and knowledge production. The organisation works with an interdisciplinary team of researchers and practitioners and collaborates with partners across Europe and the Mediterranean. Through its activities, CDI seeks to bridge research, policy and practice, creating innovative and evidence-based solutions that strengthen democratic participation, intercultural dialogue and resilient communities.
Mission and Objectives
Mission
To advance inclusive, democratic and resilient societies by generating evidence-based knowledge, fostering social innovation and strengthening civic participation through research, education and international cooperation.
Objectives
- Conduct high-quality applied research addressing contemporary social challenges.
- Promote social innovation, digital transformation and ethical use of emerging technologies for the public good.
- Strengthen youth participation, civic engagement and intercultural dialogue.
- Support evidence-based policymaking through research, analysis and practical recommendations.
- Build the capacities of civil society organisations, public institutions and local communities.
- Develop and disseminate innovative tools, methodologies and educational resources.
- Foster international cooperation and cross-sector partnerships across Europe and the Mediterranean.
Main Projects / Activities
CDI’s main projects and activities focus on applied research, social innovation, youth policy, civic participation and digital transformation. The organisation develops and implements European cooperation projects, research studies, policy analyses, capacity-building programmes and innovative methodologies for civil society and public institutions.
Current and recent activities include research on ethical and human-centred use of artificial intelligence in youth information and youth work, development of survey and focus-group methodologies, comparative international research, and preparation of evidence-based recommendations and practical tools. CDI also works on initiatives related to democratic participation, civic technology, social inclusion and community development.
In addition, CDI organises and contributes to training, mentoring, stakeholder consultations, international exchanges and policy dialogue, while cooperating with NGOs, universities, public authorities and European networks. Its projects aim to translate research findings into practical solutions, stronger organisations and more inclusive public policies.
How can you contribute to the Network in your country?
CDI can strengthen the Croatian ALF Network by contributing research expertise, policy analysis and innovative methodologies that support evidence-based intercultural dialogue. We aim to connect researchers, civil society organisations, public institutions and international partners, creating opportunities for collaborative projects across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Our contribution will include developing research and knowledge products, organising workshops, policy dialogues and capacity-building activities, and promoting ethical and human-centred approaches to digital transformation and artificial intelligence. CDI is also committed to supporting youth participation, democratic engagement and social innovation, while sharing good practices and fostering cross-sector cooperation. Through active participation in Network initiatives, we seek to help increase the visibility, impact and sustainability of ALF activities in Croatia and beyond.
Why do you want to join the ALF Network?
CDI seeks to join the Anna Lindh Foundation Network because we believe that today's social challenges require stronger cooperation across cultures, sectors and countries. As a research and innovation organisation, we see the Network as a unique platform for connecting evidence-based research with practical action, fostering intercultural dialogue and developing innovative responses to shared challenges across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Joining the Network will enable us to build long-term partnerships, contribute our expertise in applied research, social innovation and youth policy, and co-create initiatives that promote inclusion, democratic participation and mutual understanding. At the same time, we value the opportunity to learn from the diverse experiences of other Network members and to contribute to a stronger, more connected and resilient Euro-Mediterranean civil society.