Pankows Sroi study: Social expenses as a profit for everyone!

Pankows Sroi study: Social expenses as a profit for everyone!

On October 4, 2025, the first district study on the Social Return on Investment (Sroi) in Pankow was presented. The event entitled "Effect instead of cut - Pankow's social spending as an investment" attracted around 150 guests from politics, administration and social organizations. Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Bernd Halfar (Kamel & Nadelöhr GmbH) and Prof. Dr. Jürgen Zerth (Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt) was carried out in cooperation with the Pankow district office, the Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband Berlin and eight social enterprises.

The result of the study shows that every euro invested in social achievements strengthens people, the economy and society. Statistics show that public returns are 33 cents for legal social benefits and for granted projects. Social expenses not only contribute to avoiding follow -up costs, but also generate income from taxes and social security contributions.

Goals and results of the Sroi study

The Sroi study aims to make the true value of social work visible. It uses the method of social return on investment to measure the social added value of investments. Harald Thiel, a commercial board, was involved in the process from the start and emphasizes that the study also focuses on social and ecological effects, not only on financial profits. Essential aspects are the reduction in social follow -up costs and the generated returns to the state.

The participating social enterprises include the Albert Schweizer Foundation - Supervision & Living, the Kasper Hauser Foundation and the Volkssolidarity Berlin e.V. This variety of actors illustrates the extensive range of the study. The results are intended to serve as an evidence -based basis for political communication and strategic positioning of social organizations.

Relevance and long -term perspectives

District Mayor Pankow, Dr. Cordelia Koch underlines the importance of social expenditure as an investment in the future. It is supported by Anne Jeglinski, the deputy managing director of the Paritätische Berlin, who emphasizes the social and economic indispensability of social achievements. Prof. Dr. Bernd Halfar explains that the analysis shows measurable added value for humans and the public sector and thus provides a basis for future decisions about social infrastructure.

The Sroi methodology, which was originally developed in 2002, has developed since then, even if there are still convincing application examples. The study in Pankow could play a pioneering role. Because it shows how social organizations not only contribute to improving the common good, but also to the economic stability of the public funds.

Overall, the Sroi study proves that social investments should play an important role in political and economic discourse and offers a valuable perspective for the future design of social services in Pankow.

The results of the Sroi study will be evaluated next August.
For more information, see the reports of berlin.de,, stephanus.org and Wikipedia.