Contribution to Social Innovation Theory and Practice: Lessons from a Portuguese Association

Abstract

This study aims to analyze how the actions of a non-profit association from Portugal have impacted on development and promotion of social innovations. The literature review discusses origins, concepts and processes of this type of innovation, including criteria for evaluation of its results. The analyses were based on triangulation of semi-structured interviews, direct observation and documentary research data. Results show that, despite not being the focus of the association, actions towards the community quality of life enabled the development of processes and products regarded as social innovations. The main obstacles were financial dependence on state and local subsidies, ingrained habits and customs of the local population, and low levels of active participation from those involved in proposing innovative ideas. However, the association succeeded by relying on creativity, inspiration, engagement and support from its main leaders and on the alignment and support of its human resources in the implementation of strategy.