Invisible Heroine: University of Magdeburg Initiative
Table of Contents
- Magdeburg university Study Aims to Boost Visibility of Women in Social Innovation
- Magdeburg University Study: Boosting Visibility of Women in Social Innovation – Q&A
- What is the focus of the research project at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg?
- Who is involved in this research project?
- Where is the research taking place?
- What is the source of funding for this study?
- What are Social Innovations, and why is this Study Focusing on Them?
- What are the goals of the “Innovator” project?
- What methods are being used in this research?
- Who are the key figures involved in this project and what are their statements?
MAGDEBURG,Germany – An interdisciplinary team at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is researching why women’s contributions to social innovation often go unnoticed and what steps can be taken to improve their public recognition.
The “Innovator” research project, a collaborative effort between the professorship for engineering education and didactics of technical education and the chair for logistics, is funded by the Federal Ministry of education and Research with approximately 500,000 euros. The project seeks to identify social, cultural, and individual factors that affect the visibility of women innovators, uncover systemic obstacles, and develop strategies to overcome them.
The research focuses specifically on social innovations, where women’s involvement is reportedly higher compared to purely technological innovations. Social innovations are defined as novel and sustainable solutions to societal challenges that improve community life.These innovations manifest as new concepts, services, or organizational structures designed to create lasting positive change.
Frank Bünning, project manager at the professorship for engineering education and didactics of technical education, stated, “A future-oriented society needs the recognition and visibility of all contributors to address the challenges of our time.” He added, “While technological innovations often take center stage, social innovations, where women are strongly represented, are frequently overlooked.”
Hartmut Zadek, project manager of the Chair of Logistics, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging women’s roles in social progress.
Over the coming months, the research team plans to conduct interviews with around 40 women involved in social innovation projects in Saxony-Anhalt. The interviewees will include founders of social enterprises, leaders of non-profit organizations, and initiators of community projects. Additionally, ten interviews will be conducted with media professionals to gather insights on how social innovations are portrayed.
Along with qualitative interviews designed to capture individual experiences, perceived barriers, and triumphant strategies for increasing visibility, the project will employ a design-oriented approach involving various stakeholders to develop an implementation model.
The project’s findings, expected by the end of 2027, are intended to serve as a guide for concrete actions aimed at improving the long-term visibility of women in social innovation and embedding their contributions structurally within society.
What is the focus of the research project at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg?
The “Innovator” research project, a collaborative effort at Otto von Guericke University magdeburg, centers on understanding why women’s contributions to social innovation ofen go unnoticed. According to the provided article, the project aims to identify factors – social, cultural, and individual – affecting the visibility of women innovators. It also seeks to uncover systemic obstacles and develop strategies for greater public recognition of their work.
Who is involved in this research project?
This interdisciplinary project involves a team from Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. The collaboration includes the professorship for engineering education and didactics of technical education and the chair for logistics. Frank Bünning and Hartmut Zadek are project managers, representing each of these departments respectively.
Where is the research taking place?
the research is being conducted in Magdeburg, Germany. The project involves interviews with stakeholders and analysis of the current state of affairs.
What is the source of funding for this study?
The research project is funded by the federal Ministry of Education and Research with approximately 500,000 euros.
Social innovations are defined as novel and sustainable solutions to societal challenges that improve community life. These innovations manifest as new concepts, services, or organizational structures designed to create lasting positive change. The study focuses specifically on social innovations as women’s involvement is reportedly higher compared to technological innovations.
What are the goals of the “Innovator” project?
The primary goals are to:
Identify factors that hinder the visibility of women in social innovation.
Uncover systemic obstacles that obscure women’s contributions.
Develop strategies to overcome these barriers and increase recognition of their work.
Provide a guide for concrete actions to improve the long-term visibility of women in social innovation.
Embed their contributions structurally within society.
What methods are being used in this research?
The research team plans to use a combination of methods:
Qualitative Interviews: Conduct interviews with around 40 women involved in social innovation projects in Saxony-Anhalt. These interviewees will include founders of social enterprises, leaders of non-profit organizations, and initiators of community projects.
Media Analysis: Ten interviews will be conducted with media professionals to gather insights on how social innovations are portrayed.
Design-Oriented Approach: Employ a design-oriented approach involving various stakeholders to develop an implementation model for increasing visibility.
Who are the key figures involved in this project and what are their statements?
* Frank Bünning,project manager at the professorship for engineering education and didactics of technical education,stated: “A future-oriented society needs the recognition and visibility of all contributors to address the challenges of our time.” He added, “While technological innovations often take center stage, social innovations, where women are strongly represented, are frequently