Digital platform for social innovation: Insights from volunteering

Abstract

Academics, policymakers and society at large are calling for solutions to societal problems. Digital platforms are a promising means to this end, as they can drive social innovation at a scale and pace previously unimaginable. To date, little attention has been paid to how technologies facilitate social change and lead actors to solve social problems over time. This study explores how digital platforms foster the development of successful social innovation practices to improve the process of social change and well-being. It adopts a qualitative, in-depth case study approach and focuses on RomAltruista, a so-called social mission platform that promotes flexible volunteering. The study contributes to the literature by providing a framework for understanding the opportunities and role of platforms as cornerstones of successful social innovation practices.