Unpacking the social innovation ecosystem: an empirically grounded typology of empowering network constellations

Abstract

Social innovation is on the rise as a mode of governance through which to address societal challenges. Seeking to empower SI initiatives, researchers and policy makers are concerned with the development of supportive "ecosystems". This concept usefully calls attention to the distributed nature of SI agency, but many questions remain on the kinds of network constellations involved. This contribution unpacks the "SI ecosystems" concept, specifying how the empowerment afforded through SI networks rests on (1) local embedding, (2) transnational connectivity and (3) discursive resonance. Charting the variety of network constellations as studied in an international comparison of 20 transnational SI networks, a typology of SI ecosystems is constructed. Distinguishing five SI ecosystem ideal-types ranging from loosely integrated and locally focused co-creation hubs to globally connected and widely resonating political movements, the typology informs a differentiated approach to their understanding and development.

Inovação Social E Sociedade Civil: Conteúdo, Processos E Empoderamento

“…Essa é uma perspectiva que enfatiza a melhoria da qualidade de vida das pessoas, cujo desenvolvimento tem um significado mais ativo destinado a transformar as relações e a criação de valor social (González & Healey, 2005). Nessa direção, assume-se que as iniciativas de inovação social exigem o envolvimento de todos os atores da sociedade (Domanski, 2018;Pel et al, 2018;Howaldt & Schwarz, 2016) para sua efetivação. Caracteriza-se, desse modo, como um processo de construção social que incita a participação dos atores para trocar experiências, mudar comportamentos e gerar soluções na busca de um caminho com condições de vida mais dignas para a sociedade atual e futura.…”

“…A crise do Estado do bem-estar e a retirada do Estado de certos domínios de intervenção dão lugar a iniciativas tomadas por atores da sociedade civil, fazendo com que estes adquiram competências e habilidades necessárias para desenvolver soluções que envolvam problemas sociais em contextos locais. Nesse âmbito, a inovação social emerge por meio de ligações mantidas com vários movimentos sociais, que estão localizados originalmente em protesto e conflito e que, em seguida, passam a criação de espaços e encontrar soluções para os problemas vivenciados Pel et al, 2018;Rollin & Vincent, 2007).…”

Social innovation ecosystems, sustainability, and democratic experimentation: a study in Florianopolis, Brazil

“…Considering this problematization, the study of social innovation ecosystems (SIEs) -their emergence, development, and effects in the "public arenas" (Cefaï, 2002) of cities -becomes a central theme in the research agenda. SIEs, in this sense, are interpreted as "network constellations" (Pel, Wittmayer, Dorland, & Jorgensen, 2018) shaped by on the association of multiple actors, institutions, and artefacts from different sectors, which are formed by mobilization around "problematic issues" in the city's "public arenas" (Cefaï, 2002).…”

“…Recent studies have addressed ways of reinforcing the SIEs and the capacities of the different actors that make up these networks, discussing factors that favor or inhibit SIEs (Alijani, Luna, Castro-Spila, & Unceta, 2017;Biggeri, Testi, & Bellucci, 2017;Pel et al, 2018). These studies point to the need to expand the understanding of ways to radiate social innovations beyond local experiments, considering them as a process, spatially negotiated and inserted into territories, and which have the objective possibility of influencing development patterns (MacCallum, Moulaert, Hillier, & Vicari, 2009).…”

“…This text presents the theoretical and methodological approach elaborated to map and assess the Florianópolis SIE and used to co-construct the platform, as well as it shows the lessons learned during this collaborative process. The analytical-theoretical approach adopted here promotes a dialogue between recent studies on SIE (Alijani et al, 2017;Biggeri et al, 2017;European Commission, 2014;Lévesque, 2016;Pel et al, 2018;Stam, 2015) and the sociology of public problems inspired in pragmatism (Cefaï, 2002(Cefaï, , 2014(Cefaï, , 2017Cefaï & Terzi, 2012;Chateauraynaud, 2011;Chateauraynaud & Dubaz, 2017;Dewey, 1927;Quéré & Terzi, 2015). This dialogue emphasizes aspects that are little considered in the current debate on SIEs, such as the multiscale dynamics of social innovation, its territorial and socio-historical inscription and the connection with public problems and public arenas.…”