Making Waves

Making Waves

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A Caribbean Social Innovation Guide

Country Profile Snapshots

01 . Understanding Social Innovation in the Caribbean

Jamaica

Jamaica’s social innovation ecosystem is shaped by resilience. Strong community leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have enabled innovative responses though they are heavily tested by economic, social and climate shocks. Across government, businesses, civil society, academia and international partners, organisations are developing collaborative solutions that help communities prepare for, withstand and recover from disruption. The country benefits from long term national strategies, including Vision 2030 Jamaica, and is taking important steps towards recognising social enterprises through the development of a dedicated legal framework. This ecosystem is increasingly organised around three interconnected priorities: strengthening post-disaster recovery, expanding digital access to education, and using renewable energy to improve the resilience of communities and essential services. Rather than operating as isolated themes, these areas reinforce one another, creating more adaptable systems that continue functioning during times of crisis while improving everyday quality of life. Although Jamaica benefits from a supportive

between national ambitions and coordinated implementation on the ground. Social innovation is vibrant but often fragmented, with many initiatives operating in isolation or through informal collaborations rather than as part of a national connected ecosystem. Young people continue to face significant barriers to employment and education, with a quarter of youth locked out of formal employment or educational pipelines. While women make up the overwhelming majority of grassroots sector leaders, they remain underrepresented in high growth, capital-intensive infrastructure and clean technology spaces. Despite these barriers, Jamaica continues to demonstrate how collaboration, preparedness and innovation can strengthen resilience and create more inclusive pathways for sustainable development. Jamaica’s greatest opportunities lie not within individual sectors, but at the intersections between them. Strengthening renewable energy, digital systems and community networks together can create multiplier effects that improve resilience, inclusion and long-term social impact.

policy environment and a strong culture of practical innovation, a gap remains