Abstract:

Introduction:
Increasing the capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) is a challenge for gerontology and a global challenge for higher education institutions (HEIs). The Senior Innovation Lab (SIL) arises as an educational experience developed by the Master in Gerontology and Psychogerontology of the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) as part of the European research project Innovation and Entrepreneurship in HEIs (INVENTHEI), founded by the EIT HEI Initiative. The project, now in its second phase, aims to enhance the role of HEIs in their regional innovation ecosystems and promote synergies between research and innovation activities. In particular, the SIL initiative consists of training in social innovation skills to face the challenges posed by longevity in society. In its second edition, it focuses on intergenerational co-design. Its objective is to promote the acquisition of knowledge, tools, and a space for collaboration to develop innovative solutions to the different challenges and opportunities presented by the gerontology sector.

Methodology:
In its first edition (November-December 2021), the learning approach was challenge-based, guided by Design Thinking and Lean Start-up methodologies. The second edition (November-December 2022) incorporated an intergenerational co-design approach. Indeed, participation was open to students at the University of Santiago de Compostela at all levels: bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and “IV Ciclo”, a program dedicated to senior students. It also involved the involvement of local entities from the beginning, including continuous contact with SIL participants during the development of innovative solutions. During face-to-face and online sessions lasting 50 hours (21 hours of face-to-face training, 6 hours of online training, and 23 hours of autonomous work), SIL participants were able to develop and present the solution to the challenge posed.

Results:
A total of 28 students divided into five groups participated in the SIL initiative during its second edition. At the end of the training action, each team presented an innovative solution for the challenge posed by the entity they worked with, the initial formulation of the Minimum Viable Product, and an Elevator Pitch.

Conclusions:
SIL developed activities based on challenges associated with longevity, also guided by intergenerational co-design approach. In this second edition, it was possible to transmit knowledge and tools on social innovation and favour collaboration between the participants and entities in formulating solutions to the proposed challenges, keeping older adults at the centre of the solution. Likewise, the SIL initiative highlights the training capacity in I&E skills of a HEI, in this case applied to the field of knowledge and practice of gerontology.

Keywords:

Social innovation, entrepreneurship, higher education institutions, intergenerational co-design, longevity.