Social innovation strategies for community inclusion in public policy: The case of commune eight in Sincelejo, Colombia

Abstract

Social innovation is emerging as a key strategy to address the needs of groups facing societal challenges, characterized by ideas originating directly from the community. In areas with high violence and a fractured social fabric, sports and recreational physical activities offer a promising avenue for inclusion in municipal development plans, with policies aimed at fostering development, unity, and peacebuilding. Social innovation can promote the inclusion of vulnerable communities through sports, recreation, and constructive use of free time. This study aims to investigate social innovation’s role in fostering inclusion through sports and recreation in Commune 8, Sincelejo, Colombia. Using Moulaert et al.'s (2005) framework, we collected data on community awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices, focusing on Commune 8 in Sincelejo, Colombia. We also assessed the area’s initial infrastructure and social programs. Sincelejo ranks as the fifth city in Colombia with the highest number of registered displaced persons, and Commune 8, located on the outskirts of the city, is the most affected by this issue. Our findings indicate that the community perceives the local infrastructure to be in poor condition and lacking proper maintenance. Local authorities responsible for sports and recreation policies lack sufficient budgets to maintain sports facilities. The perspective provided by this study offers insights to improve the design of social policies in this region of Colombia, which has traditionally struggled with ineffective investments yielding limited social impact. These improved designs could help local budgets become more efficient and targeted.