It all started with a shared belief
What began as one space has since sparked a global movement right here at Impact Hub Network. See where we started, how far we’ve come, and the future we’re building together.
By 2030, impact entrepreneurship will be the world’s most powerful economic movement.
Around the world, people and organisations are reimagining the role of business. We work with corporations, public sector, and entrepreneurs to address the world’s most pressing challenges and scale impact solutions across communities, industries, and ecosystems.
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we invite you to join us. Whether you’re working on bold ideas, investing in cutting-edge solutions, or building resilient business ecosystems, now is the time to act. The future is not a distant vision; it is something we build today, together
NEW REPORT
Corporate Social Innovation Trends
The rules have changed. Impact partnerships have evolved from side initiatives to core business strategy. While most companies treat impact as a checkbox exercise, market leaders are using partnerships to drive innovation, reduce costs, access new markets and attract top talent.
After facilitating 400+ cross-sector partnerships, we’ve identified what separates strategic success from one-off pilots. This report captures those insights with real examples from global brands turning impact into competitive advantage.
What's inside?
- 5 key trends driving the shift from CSR to strategic innovation
- Examples from early movers like IKEA, adidas, Bayer Foundation and Tencent
- Replicable strategies your team can implement across departments
- A quick readiness check to help you get started today
The time is now. The way is together.
This report is dedicated to all the Impact Makers who show us that a better future is not only possible but already in progress.
This year we celebrate 20 years of the Impact Hub Network: from one community in 2005 to a global movement of 120+ locations and 500,000 Impact Makers today.
Our anniversary comes at a crucial moment. From climate breakdown to deepening inequalities, global challenges are intensifying and the need for innovation has never been greater. Impact entrepreneurship offers pathways forward- creating solutions where others see barriers.
By working with companies on ESG, with public institutions on social innovation, and with entrepreneurs on locally rooted solutions, we demonstrate how co-creation delivers lasting change.
This report looks back on 2024–2025: our global, local, and translocal programmes, our collective impact, and the steps we are taking toward regenerative futures. It is a record of progress, and an invitation to join us in shaping what comes next.
500k+ Impact Makers driving positive change
Collaboration paths for impact
Our paths to impact show how we respond to a world of rising challenges with concrete change. They highlight where we focus our energy: working with companies, public institutions, entrepreneurs, and our global Network.
Each path is proof that collaboration is the only way to move forward- embedding innovation into the way we work and govern. In the following pages, you’ll find how these routes come to life, driving impact locally, globally, and across our communities.
Scaling impact ideas that matter
From climate action to social justice, today’s challenges demand innovation and collective action. Across 68 countries, we connect entrepreneurs with corporate and public partners to build ecosystems where solutions grow and scale. Together, we unlock investment, generate employment, and prove how bold local ideas drive global change.
55%
of entrepreneurs
reached double-digit growth
15,554
impact
enterprises
supported in 2025
300+
support programmes
delivered across our Network
11,186
new jobs
created per year for an inclusive economy
€300M
investment
raised by our impact enterprises
54%
women co-founders
leading the companies of tomorrow
Corporate Sustainable Innovation Trends
A new wave of sustainable business innovation is here. Discover how leaders like IKEA, adidas, Bayer Foundation, and Tencent are using impact partnerships to fuel growth, unlock new markets, and build resilient supply chains.
What’s inside?
Five key trends driving the shift from CSR to strategy- Real-world examples from Early Movers
- Replicable strategies your team can apply today
- A quick checklist to assess your partnership readiness
Start an Impact Hub in your city
Impact Hubs are place-based innovation spaces for Impact Makers to cultivate ideas that drive systemic change. We foster meaningful collaboration between key players in corporate and institutional sectors, support impact enterprises, and build the necessary capabilities to promote sustainable development.
Starting an Impact Hub means joining a community of visionary people committed to extraordinary change. It is a commitment to build ecosystems of impact that are locally rooted, globally connected, and dedicated to shaping a just and sustainable future.
Impact stories on the ground
Across the Impact Hub Network, impact is unfolding in countless ways: entrepreneurs are pioneering new paths, communities are building resilience, and Impact Hubs are sparking systemic change.
Together, these stories capture how local action, rooted in collaboration and innovation, is shaping a future where business serves both people and planet.
Top SDGs in action
The UN Sustainable Development Goals guide our work and connect action on the ground to global priorities.
Across 131 Impact Hubs in 69 countries, we advance the SDGs by turning ambition into measurable progress for people and planet. Below, you’ll see the top three goals advanced in each region, as reported by Impact Hubs worldwide.
Africa & Middle East
SDG8: Decent work
SDG4: Quality education
SDG11: Sustainable cities
Asia Pacific
SDG9: Industry & innovation
SDG3: Health & well-being
SDG5: Gender equality
Europe
SDG8: Decent work
SDG10: Reduced inequalities
SDG5: Gender equality
Latin America
SDG8: Decent work
SDG5: Gender equality
SDG17: Partnership goals
North America
SDG4: Education
SDG10: Reduced inequalities
SDG17: Partnership goals
Globally
SDG8: Decent work
SDG5: Gender equality
SDG10: Reduced inequalities
Resources to amplify impact
Our global network is a living source of tools and knowledge to equip social innovators, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem enablers with practical guidance, research insights, and proven methodologies.
Co-developed with leading universities, corporate partners, public institutions, and practitioners worldwide, this collection provides actionable frameworks and inspiring examples that strengthen the capacity of Impact Makers to drive meaningful change.
Who we are
Ready to partner for impact?
Become an Impact Maker
Gain access to valuable resources, collaborative spaces, and a supportive network passionate about making a difference.
Open an Impact Hub in your city
Start an Impact Hub and be part of a global network committed to driving positive social and environmental impact in your community.
Partner for impact
Combine strengths, expertise, and resources to drive meaningful change and create a lasting positive impact on society and the planet.
Community Partnerships
Leverage resources, networks, and expertise to foster social innovation and create sustainable solutions for your local ecosystem.
