The economic and financial crisis has left a strong mark on central Europe’s socio-economic system, particularly labour market and demography. Enormous challenges include especially the ongoing increase of unemployment that ultimately results in poverty and social exclusion. The groups particularly affected by loss of job are youth and senior persons, mainly having low qualifications and missing soft skills. Sustainable solutions are urgently needed. 

The IN SITU project targets unqualified youth and older workers (50 plus), who are long-term unemployed and mainly affected by negative processes on the labour market, who normally will merely have any chance to get a job. Thanks to cooperation between younger and older generations there persons could learn from each other by exchanging experiences, bridging missing skills and competences.

Project partners from 6 regions of Central Europe developed and implemented an innovative service addressing particular needs of these disfavoured groups. What is particularly important, is a fast-track to labour market and regaining positive self-esteem.  A new tailored business development service and support scheme delivered by the project are oriented on promoting integration of these unemployed persons into the labour market. Their activity is organised in the form of social enterprise.

The support scheme requires active participation of all key players - local and regional governments, private businesses and third sector (NGO). 

As a result of the project a network of 6 Social Innovation Hubs in all partner Member States have been established, where disadvantaged persons are offered professional support in starting-up and running their businesses. 

Developed tools and strategies are available below.