The Role of Social Investments and Charity in the Development of Science and Innovation Across Regions

The regions of the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, and other Eastern Partnership countries are undergoing a transition process. Russia's military aggression in Ukraine, demographic changes, as well as cultural and political events at national and European levels, are leading to profound changes in economic, social, and political institutions. The regions of Eastern Partnership countries face social issues such as economic stagnation, high youth unemployment, challenges in social cohesion, and issues related to ethnic diversity. The aim of this article is to explore the potential of charitable organizations in supporting science and innovation through modern informational and educational methods, educational activities, and mapping the economic, scientific, and innovative potential in the regions of the Republic of Moldova. Based on the European benchmarking methodology, within the framework of the European Higher Education and Special Education Area, the article examines examples of the creation of social innovation infrastructure supporting industrial ecosystems in European regions. The benchmarking procedure is based on a systematic comparison of organizational processes and indicators that cover the transitional period and require the creation of ICT infrastructure to continuously stimulate the internationalization of research and development. To achieve these goals, creating new job opportunities for researchers and integrating them into the implementation of regional and local smart specialization plans will help achieve synergy between regional programs and national and European strategies, as discussed in the article. In conclusion, it can be said that social investments and charity play a crucial role in fostering the growth of science and innovation, especially in resource-constrained regions. By providing financial support, educational opportunities, infrastructure, and collaborative frameworks, these contributions help level the playing field and encourage sustainable scientific progress.