Social Innovation: Exploring Definitions and Approaches

1. ESSE 2011 - 2nd Edition “Social Enterprise and Social Innovation”July 18th – 23rd, 2011 University Residential Centre of Bertinoro

2. SCIENTIFIC BOARD

3. SCIENTIFIC BOARD

4. SCIENTIFIC BOARD

5. TEACHING STAFF

6. Why social innovation? The term, Social Innovation, is currently riding the waves of success in the social sciences, particularly in Economics, Sociology, and Political Science; So much so that in recent years research centers, think tanks, journals, and foundations have been created in order to support the phenomenon;  This is much due to the fact that it has also become the rallying cry of many Western political administrations; Due to its multi-disciplinary approach, it is not surprising that there is a vast array of definitions tied to Social Innovation; Some of these definitions are complementary and others not; Which makes it difficult for scholars and policy makers to approach Innovation in the Social Economy Sector.

7. First definition of social innovation Social innovation is a complex processof introducing new products, processes or programs that profoundly changethe basic routines, resource and authority flows, or beliefs of the social systemin which the innovation occurs. Such successful social innovations have durability and broad impact. Westley Frances and Antadze Nino (2010), “Making a Difference: Strategies for Scaling Social Innovation for Greater Impact”, The Innovation Journal: The Public Sector Innovation Journal, Vol. 15 (2).

8. Systemic approach Its defining characteristics are:

9. Second definition of social innovation Social innovation refers to innovative activities and services that are motivated by the goal of meeting a social need and that are predominantly diffused through organizations whose primary purposes are social. Geoff Mulgan, The Process of Social Innovation, in “Innovations. Technology, Governance, Globalizations”, Spring 2006, MITpress, Boston, p.146.

10. Pragmatic approach Its defining characteristics are:

11. Third definition of social innovation A novel solution to a social problem that is more effective, efficient, sustainable, or just than existing solutions and for which the value created accrues primarily to society as a whole rather than private individuals. Phillis James A. Jr., Deiglmeier Kriss, Miller Dale T., Rediscovering Social Innovation, in “Stanford Social Innovation Review”, Fall 2008, 6, 4, Stanford, p. 36

12. Managerial approach Its defining characteristics are:

13. In the first definition, Social Innovation works towards systemic social change (changes in power, beliefs, etc.) and focuses on the “collective” aspect of the process of innovation (which can never be reduced to the contribution of a single individual no matter how extraordinary or grand it may be). The socio-political perspective is more attentive to the political dimensionof social innovation and on the possible conflicts that could result from the end product or from the spillovers of innovation, seeing as how most social innovations are heralded by social movements which mobilize large parts of the population.

14. The second definition is starkly different from the first. Here the role of the single individual, of the socialentrepreneur, of the social innovator, of the one who in front of a social need finds new ways to meet it through innovative methods (often hybrid in nature, going beyond traditional boundaries of the public, private, and non-profit) is what is valued most.

15. The third definition is a combination of the two definitions above presented. It highlights the managerial aspect of social innovation which must be seen as a solution, that unlike its predecessors, is more efficient, efficacious, sustainable, and just. The definition furthermore states that the social good that is created as a result of its introduction, application, and diffusion must benefit the general public and not any single individual (public good vs. private good).

16. INNOVATION “A change process that rests on some idea, either new or perceived as new, that is applied to existing ways and means of doing things” A] Generation B] Acceptance C] Implementation D] Diffusion Of new Ideas, Processes; Products; Services

17. Initial generation of an Idea = Creativity “Is the Act of finding an approach to a solution of a perceived problem or need, and for generating or making possible some kind of innovation in response.” “Is a frame of mind that questions rather than criticizes”, “which asks: why is this so?” “To imagine future scenarios, conditions, inventions, applications, adaptations and processes” “The capacity to look at situations in an integrated, holistic way, laterally and flexibly” “Is primarily about new ways of seeing issues, conceptualizing phenomena, and framing problems”

18. THE INNOVATION PROCESS • Diffusion patterns depend on the degree of similarity among actors accepting, rejecting or modifying the Innovation (homophily or heterophily) • TIME: • the innovation decision process; • 2. the innovativeness of a unit of adoption; • 3. the innovation’s rate of adoption in a system A] INITIATION B] IMPLEMENTATION C] DIFFUSION - ADOPTION - REJECTION - MODIFICATION

19. SUCCESSFUL INNOVATION • A significant degree of uncertainty; • b) It is a knowledge-intensive process; • c) Innovations are controversial (political process: different interests confronting each other); • d) Innovations tend to reach across established boundaries in organization, fields or sectors.

20. “Innovation and adaptation of innovative ideas and practices happens at the margins, not at the centre of the system” “Innovators are encouraged in situations or networks that involve significant overlaps among groups, cultures, and perspectives.” Rogers E.M. (2003), Diffusion of Innovations, fifth edition, New York, Free Press.

21. SUMMER SCHOOL STAFF • Kristian Mancinone: Problem creating – social innovator • Sara Rago: Problem solving – social innovator • Tamami Komatsu: Language and Culture Mediator – social innovator • Andrea Bassi: Decision Making – social innovator

22. Welcome …and I hope you will enjoy not only the very high quality teaching of our outstanding scholars …but also the opportunity to stay together and to exchange culture, experiences and friendship.