Social Franchising
Social Franchising in Invest4Health
Scaling up innovative approaches to health promotion and disease prevention requires more than successful pilot projects. It needs a model that allows effective solutions to be replicated and adapted in different contexts while keeping quality and impact consistent. In Invest4Health, we use social franchising as our main strategy to achieve this.
What social franchising means for Invest4Health
Social franchising applies the principles of commercial franchising, such as clear structures, tested methods, and ongoing support to social innovations. In Invest4Health, it is the vehicle for scaling and replicating our Smart Capacitating Investment (SCI) models, tools, and governance mechanisms across Europe.
We aim to create a franchise package that offers regions practical guidance and support to implement innovative financing models for health promotion and disease prevention. This way, successful approaches developed in one setting can be shared and adapted by others, creating long-term health and social impact.
Expanding through new regional testbeds
A key step in developing the I4H social franchise is the integration of four new testbeds from Italy, Portugal, Serbia, and Sweden who joined our existing testbeds in Germany, Spain, Sweden, and Wales. This gives us a broader range of health system contexts in which to refine and validate SCI-based financing approaches. Activities with the new testbeds began in May 2025, supported by our competence-building programme.
Developing the franchise model
During 2025, the consortium has been exploring different ways to structure the I4H franchise, such as master franchise models, hybrid licensing, and cooperative networks. Together with our testbeds and the Citizen Patient Advisory Group (CPAG), we are assessing which model best supports scaling while ensuring citizen involvement and real social impact.
The franchise package will include:
- Practical know-how and tools developed in Invest4Health
- Training materials and advisory services
- A tested business and operational model for SCI implementation
- Access to a community of practice for ongoing peer learning and support
Next steps
In the second half of the project, we will refine our value proposition to potential franchisees and finalise the full franchise package. This will be shared publicly in 2026 and offered as a scalable solution for regions that want to adopt Smart Capacitating Investments and embed prevention as a long-term, sustainable investment.
At the final event on 28 May 2025, we will present the franchise opportunity – outlining the benefits, expected impact, and the support package that will be available. Interested regions and organisations will be invited to express their interest, with the full franchise package accessible on a paid basis from 2026.
