Social capital can be defined as the network of interdependent relationships among individuals, groups and institutions that facilitate collective action and joint endeavour towards shared aims. It is based on norms, values and ties that engender trust, and can act as a form of 'invisible architecture' which both reflects and produces a sense of identity, social cohesion and collective efficacy. Social capital is the emergent property of physical, mental, material and institutional resources, which creates an ecosystem that supports innovation and coordination.

See also: social fabric, power dynamics, collective intelligence, social justice, community building