This report evaluates the performance of the Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) strand of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) during the period 2021–2023. It analyses outputs, outcomes and financial implementation across six key performance indicators covering analytical activities, information sharing, social experimentation, capacity building, job placements, and support for micro and social enterprises.

The study combines quantitative data analysis, stakeholder surveys, interviews and desk research, including examples of EaSI-funded projects. It also applies citation analysis to examine the reach and influence of EaSI outputs.

The results show that EaSI performed strongly, meeting targets in four out of six areas and contributing to EU policy development on platform work, social protection and cross-border employment. Budget implementation was generally on track, although challenges remain in scaling up social innovations – an area that will be important to address in future reporting.

Overall, EaSI’s integration into the wider ESF+ framework has strengthened coherence and ensured that its activities are well aligned with ESF+ priorities.