Challenge social innovation

Viac o knihe

In recent years, social innovation has gained significant traction, with national governments and major organizations like the OECD, European Commission, and UNESCO embracing the term. It refers to the adoption of new social practices to meet social needs more effectively. Historical examples include the Red Cross and the social welfare state, while contemporary instances like internet 2.0 are reshaping communication and cooperation, necessitating new management concepts and even sparking social revolutions. This shift calls for a reevaluation of the traditional notion of innovation, which has typically focused on technological advancements, in favor of a broader paradigm that encompasses knowledge and services. Evidence suggests that social innovation will increasingly play a vital role in areas such as social integration, equal opportunities, and addressing climate change, while also enhancing the innovative capacities of companies and societies. While political authorities emphasize the social aspects, this book explores its societal and systemic dimensions, gathering insights from renowned experts worldwide. Drawing from the contributions of the first global science convention on social innovation held in September 2011 in Vienna, it offers an overview of scientific approaches to this emerging field, complemented by forewords from notable figures in European policy and the OECD.