This conference will bring together leading scholars and practitioners for three days of insightful discussions, groundbreaking research presentations, and collaborative networking opportunities.
Join us for Social Capital 2027!
We are delighted to invite researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and professionals from around the world to attend Social Capital 2027 at Heriot-Watt University.
As the second global conference dedicated to social capital, Social Capital 2027 will bring together leading scholars, experts, and stakeholders for three days of insightful discussions, groundbreaking research presentations, and collaborative networking opportunities. This much-anticipated event will serve as a platform to explore the evolving role of social capital in diverse contexts, from economic development and governance to community resilience and digital transformation.
Dates: March 18 – 20, 2027
Why attend?
- Gain cutting-edge insights from leading researchers and experts in social capital studies
- Connect with an international network of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners
- Engage in thought-provoking discussions on the impact of social capital across disciplines
- Participate in interactive workshops, panel sessions, and keynote presentations
- Explore emerging trends and practical applications of social capital research
- Network with potential collaborators and advance your professional connections
Can’t join us in person?
Select Social Capital 2027 sessions will be available via live stream and a virtual day will be held on March 17th.
Partner with us
Support the advancement of social capital research by becoming a sponsor or exhibitor at Social Capital 2027. Our partnership opportunities provide a unique platform to engage with global experts and thought leaders in the field. Contact us to explore sponsorship and exhibition opportunities.
Join us at Social Capital 2027 as we come together to shape the future of social capital research and practice!
~ Conference Steering Committee
Professor Dame Heather McGregor
Heriot-Watt University
Tristan Claridge
Institute for Social Capital
Jacob Spanke
International Social Capital Association
Dr. Michael Woolcock
World Bank
Meet the keynote speakers from the 2026 conference
Our keynote speakers at the Social Capital 2026 Conference are internationally recognised for their groundbreaking research and practical contributions to the field. They shared fresh insights, challenged assumptions, and inspired new ways of thinking about trust, networks, and the social fabric that underpins resilient societies.
Robert D. Putnam
Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University
Raj Chetty
Professor of Economics at Harvard University
Beate Völker
Professor of Sociology at Utrecht University
Conference Thematic Streams
Social Capital 2027 brings together leading thinkers and practitioners from around the world to explore the power and potential of social capital in today’s complex and interconnected world.
We have identified 12 thematic streams to provide structure and focus to the conference, helping to organise the program around key areas of interest within the broad and interdisciplinary field of social capital.
We warmly welcome all submissions that contribute to advancing the understanding or application of social capital, regardless of their alignment with a specific stream.
Important Dates
Registration now open
Poster and virtual submissions
In-Person Oral Submission closes
September 30, 2026
Early-bird Registration Deadline
December 4, 2026
Preliminary Schedule Release
December 24, 2026
Virtual Day
March 17, 2027
Pre-Conference Workshops
March 18, 2027
Conference begins
March 18, 2027
Conference begins in
Conference host
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