Resilience through social innovation for sustainable development

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to provide an example of the intersections between resilience and innovation within the social economy. It describes the Portuguese context, boosted by a pioneering public policy focused on building resilience through innovation. The sustainable development concept usually sets multilevel relationships among the government, social investors and entrepreneurs. In this sense, the study explores the role of innovation in promoting resilience in initiatives and society that may lead to sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected the primary data through semistructured interviews with social investors and an online survey with the invested or awarded entities from 2015 to 2020. The database represents 43.63% of acknowledged Portuguese social innovative initiatives, describing a complex and multilevel result. The case also provides a unique context for deepening the understanding of popular, relevant, but still underdeveloped concepts.FindingsThe results highlight progress in overcoming social and economic challenges. This progress happens through innovative initiatives aiming to solve social problems that reflect collective interests. The data suggest a context dynamization due to an increase of 31.3% in new initiatives. This increase can potentially represent a consistent investment in resilience and sustainable development.Originality/valueThis paper helps to contextualize and structure information for three fragmented concepts. It relies on their combination to compensate for each other frailties, assuming that innovation can be a crucial factor for boosting sustainable development, making possible the countries’ resilience. It also argues that the literature state can result from a paradigm shift, and these features can favor this process toward a better world.

Achieving Sustainable Transdisciplinary Research in Construction Project Management

“…Future studies should also focus on the operationalisation of these theories within practical settings, evaluating their effectiveness in real-world scenarios and refining them based on iterative feedback. There is a need to foster collaborative environments where stakeholders from academia, industry, and policy can co-create knowledge (Abbas et al, 2022;Abdullahi and Kehinde, 2023;Adabre et al, 2022;Adewunmi et al, 2023;Afsar et al, 2020;Aigbavboa et al, 2017;Chan et al, 2018;Chen et al, 2017;Dobarrio Machado Ciccarino and Serrano Fernandes Rodrigues, 2023;Godin et al, 2021;Golić et al, 2023;Hagbert et al, 2013;Hosseini et al, 2018;Jelinek et al, 2024;Kaur Bedi, 2018;Khan et al, 2022;Latos, 2018;O'higgins, 2001;Olanrewaju et al, 2022;Parafiniuk, 2014;Portillo-Tarragona et al, 2018;Scarpellini et al, 2020;Shi et al, 2013;Silvius and Schipper, 2014;Venkata Mohan et al, 2016;Yin and Li, 2018;Zabalza Bribián et al, 2011;Zheng et al, 2017;Zhou et al, 2021). This would not only enhance the relevance and applicability of theoretical models but also ensure that they are informed by a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives.…”