TIP | Module 4 | Event in Vienna

Caring Communities - Fourth edition of the Transnational Innovation Program

Last month, the partners of the Caring Communities project met in Vienna for the fourth edition of the Transnational Innovation Program, focusing on the themes of storytelling and pitching. The three-day event offered a rich blend of learning, collaboration, and inspiration, highlighting how stories can drive innovation and connection within communities.

The program opened with Caritas Vienna’s “Community Kitchen,” an initiative that brings together people from diverse backgrounds to cook, share meals, and exchange personal stories. This activity created an atmosphere of openness and cooperation, setting the tone for the days ahead.

On the second day, participants explored Caritas Vienna’s innovation department, gaining insights into how the organization integrates creative ideas into its daily work. The day continued with an engaging presentation by @Mathias Haas from Super Social (www.supersocial.at), who shared valuable perspectives on how to transform ideas into persuasive and authentic stories. In the afternoon, Adela Ramić guided participants through a practical session on the art of pitching, encouraging them to refine their communication and presentation skills. Between sessions, the group enjoyed a walk through Vienna’s historic first district, discovering the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.

A highlight of the final day was a presentation by Claudia Singer-Smith, Coordinator for Institutional Capacities and Cooperation within the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, who outlined the EU’s long-term vision and emphasized how local initiatives contribute to shaping Europe’s future through caring and connected communities.

Before concluding the program, the participants visited Magdas Social Business, a hotel and professional training program for refugees, where they also had the opportunity to use one of its seminar rooms. The visit offered a tangible example of how social innovation can create meaningful impact.

The fourth edition of the Transnational Innovation Program once again demonstrated the value of collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support among Caring Communities partners. It served as a reminder that storytelling is not only a tool for communication, but also a powerful means of building understanding, trust, and resilience within communities.

Here are more info from the local organizer: Caritas Pflege