While other innovation accelerators focus on disadvantaged demographics like developing countries or female empowerment, this ideas hub encourages Dutch locals and refugees to work together. Located in a recently closed, repurposed prison (Bijlmerbajes) in Amsterdam, business incubator and cultural center Lola Lik is next door to the Wenckebachweg refugee center.
In addition to social entrepreneurs, vocational trainers, event planners and craftsmen, artists are helping refugees integrate into society through education, entrepreneurship and work opportunities. So far, the ideas hub has produced everything from a public restaurant to a language school, and kickboxing space.
This is not only an example of how cities can accelerate the integration of refugees, but also how to alleviate housing issues for creative citizens.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Refugee Integration
- Opportunities for innovative programs and initiatives that foster the integration of refugees into local communities, such as this ideas hub in Amsterdam.
- Social Entrepreneurship
- The rise of business models that aim to address social issues and create positive social impact by providing work and education opportunities for refugees.
- Collaborative Spaces
- The growing trend of creating collaborative spaces that bring diverse groups of people together to share resources, skills, and ideas in order to foster creativity and innovation.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Community Development
- The community development sector can explore innovative approaches to foster refugee integration and alleviate housing issues by repurposing existing facilities and creating spaces for collaboration.
- Education
- The education industry has the opportunity to develop and implement tailored language and vocational training programs that help refugees integrate into society and foster their entrepreneurship skills.
- Hospitality and Tourism
- The hospitality and tourism industry can benefit from partnerships with initiatives like this ideas hub to offer employment opportunities for refugees, showcase their cultural contributions, and promote inclusive tourism experiences.
