Social Innovation Theory and Research: A guide for researchers

Abstract

This report was written as part of the TEPSIE project, a research project funded by the European Union under the 7th Framework Programme and is an acronym for “The Theoretical, Empirical and Policy Foundations for Building Social Innovation in Europe”. The project is a research collaboration between six European institutions: the Danish Technological Institute, The Young Foundation, The Centre for Social Investment at Heidelberg University, Atlantis Consulting, the Catholic University of Portugal, and Wroclaw Research Centre EIT+. The project explores the barriers to innovation, as well as the structures and resources that are required to support social innovation at the European level. The aim is to identify what works in terms of measuring and scaling innovation, engaging citizens and using online networks to maximum effect in order to assist policy makers, researchers and practitioners working in the field of social innovation. TEPSIE is comprised of eight research Work Packages. These are as follows: 1. Overview of the system of social innovation 2. Measuring social innovation 3. Removing barriers to social innovation 4. Generating capital flow 5. Engaging the public 6. Knowing what works 7. Growing what works 8. Using online networks to maximum effect