During the first phase of the COPERNICUS project (Months 1–24), the PI focused on four key thematic areas: (1) identifying the boundaries and intellectual structure of the social finance (SF) research landscape; (2) exploring Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) as emerging financial instruments to address complex social challenges; (3) assessing crowdfunding as an alternative and complementary funding mechanism for social enterprises (SEs); and (4) analyzing the role of FinTech companies in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These topics were investigated through bibliometric analyses, grounded theory approaches, and literature reviews, leading to several scientific outputs. Major achievements of this initial phase include the publication of “How Many Shades Are There in Sustainable Finance? A Bibliometric Review” in an international edited volume, and the submission of multiple articles currently under peer review, including works on the intellectual structure of SF, the evolution of SIBs, and the conceptual development of impact investing and financial innovation in underserved areas. The PI also participated in ten international conferences, delivered five invited lectures, and completed 62 specialization courses, strengthening her academic profile and international engagement.
The second phase of the project (Months 25–36) was marked by both challenges and achievements. Key results include:
• The establishment of the COPERNICUS Laboratory for Social and Sustainable Finance at UNICZ, which now serves as a permanent institutional hub for research, training, and stakeholder engagement;
• The successful completion of short-term visiting periods at the University of Tours (France) and the University of Waterloo (Canada), leading to new co-authorships and a joint SSHRC grant proposal on fossil fuel divestment;
• The organization of five academic seminars and workshops, two international secondments, and multiple teaching activities within PhD and Master’s programs;
• The refinement and dissemination of empirical models connecting crowdfunding to social innovation, and of bibliometric and content analyses of FinTech’s role in SDG-oriented finance.
COPERNICUS has fulfilled its objectives by producing actionable knowledge, fostering international collaboration, and promoting capacity building in social finance—especially in marginalized EU regions such as Calabria.
