O.P.E.N Consortium: A National Network for social and working inclusion of vulnerable groups

Date: 14.11.2024
By: TASK4ISI
The roots of O.P.E.N. Network date back to 2007 with the Equal ESF Community Initiative. On that occasion, collaboration between several vocational training actors concerned with employment of young and adult offenders, led to a partnership based on shared aims.

In 2010 OPEN was created, as National Network composed by 8 organisations aimed at fighting against social exclusion and reoffending of those who leave prison and, more generally, of those at risk of marginalisation.

OPEN aims at developing new systems and strategies for social integration and employment promotion to vulnerable groups, exploiting the potential of social entrepreneurship and bottom-up approaches. OPEN manages actions to promote social and labour inclusion by:

  • Integration of Network’s members’ resources in order to develop new opportunities;
  • Dialogue with European Stakeholders and international interventions (e.g. national and EU funded projects, international networks, etc.);
  • Training and Research (e.g. courses, business simulation, orientation and consulting services, internships, training laboratories, workshops, focus groups, analyses, research, etc.)
  • Dissemination of good practices (e.g. round tables, transfer of projects and initiatives, organisation of events and communication campaigns, validation and dissemination of best practices.

Target group of beneficiaries of OPEN interventions is made of individuals in need of social integration and labour inclusion, and namely those with major risk of exclusion and marginalisation:

  • Ex-offenders and those subjected to alternative measures to detention
  • Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers
  • Women, including women with offending records and with migration background
  • Other categories of vulnerable groups

All these individuals are potential under-represented entrepreneurs and hence its involvement and commitment in the TASK4ISI project.

OPEN implemented the previous Interreg Central Europe TASKFORCOME project and established the Community and Social HUB “GIM – Generazione Impresa Mondo” in Emilia Romagna Region, exploring new systems and strategies for the employment promotion of migrants, also exploiting the potential of social entrepreneurship.

In TASK4ISI, starting right from the HUB “GIM – Generazione Impresa Mondo”, the challenge widens: strengthen the network at regional and transnational level and enhancing the INCLUSIVE ENTREPRENEURIAL DISCOVERY PROCESS of aspirant and novice entrepreneurs among the disadvantaged groups.

It is a demanding challenge that OP.E.N. will carry out in the Emilia Romagna Region, where, in collaboration with the Municipality of San Mauro Pascoli, it will implement and validate a regional programme for BUSINESS SKILLS of aspiring entrepreneurs and BUSINESS MATCHMAKING of early-stage entrepreneurs.

This publication reflects the views of the author(s) only. The programme authorities are not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.