Scaling up social innovation: a meta-synthesis

Abstract

Purpose:This paper aims to analyze how features raised in the case studies in the field of social innovation, from the meta-synthesis methodology proposed by Hoon (2013), indicate factors that promote social innovation scalability Originality/gap/relevance/implications: The number of publications on SI, despite an increase perceived, is still limited. Consequently, researches dedicated to understand the scalability of the process of SI are still scarce, thus constituting a gap research. Key methodological aspects: To achieve the objective of this research, we followed the eight meta-synthesis steps proposed by Hoon (2013) which is an exploratoryinductive research design for synthesis of primary data collected through case studies whose primary purpose is to build theory. It was analyzed 66 articles identified in the Web of Science database, nine of them were selected to join this meta-synthesis. Summary of key results:The findings of this research can be summarized in the concept proposed "environment favourable to the scalability of a SI" with features of the internal environment, divided between aspects of the entrepreneur and the organization, and settings of the external environment, mediated (or not) by a bridge organization. Key considerations/conclusions: The findings of this study advance the SI literature in two main points: Concept proposition of "environment conducive to the scalability of a SI" and to draw attention to the field of study on the promoting factors of continuity and growth of a SI. As for the practical contributions, the results of the research can help social innovations managers in the expansion phase of its operations, suggesting some elements to consider.

Social innovation drivers in social enterprises: systematic review

“…The organizational learning is considered an important element in the successful cases of diffusion of the SI (Voltan and De Fuentes, 2016). It happens when the SE creates new knowledge based on the lessons learned from previous experiences, when it adjusts to environmental changes and offers training to promote internal development (Morais-da-Silva et al, 2016;Mulyaningsih et al, 2014).…”

“…However, it is worth pointing out Culture. A proper environment for the creation of SI involves a process of co-building and sharing knowledge between all involved (internal and external) (Vezina et al, 2019), a willingness to improve social well-being that is greater than the fear of failure, strong levels of intrapreneurship and less dependence on a leader that only encourages innovation inwards (Berzin and Pitt-Catsouphes, 2015;Biggeri et al, 2017;Martins et al, 2020;Morais-da-Silva et al, 2016;Pasricha and Rao, 2018;Quandt et al, 2017). For example, when analysing the SI process in a large SE, Altuna et al, (2015) found that the ability to shape societal demand into a new product / service involves a decentralized process of product definition by the Finally, according to Dufays (2019), team members seem further motivated to simultaneously embrace both the social and the commercial dimensions needed for implementation of SI when they have both a mutual interest at stake and a general interest (superimposition of the producer/investor role with the beneficiary role).…”

Profits and purpose: Organizational tensions in social enterprises

“…Social Innovation refers to new solutions that seek to improve living conditions of groups excluded and meet their social needs in a more effective way than current solutions; at the same time that it increases the capabilities, relationships and process of societies (Murray et al, 2010;Cajaiba-Santana, 2014;Morais-Da-Silva, 2016). Under this definition, social innovation must include something novel in the satisfaction of some social need; it could be incremental or disruptive and in it has to be more effective and efficient.…”

“…Social innovations can take several forms in their implementation, such as new products, services, platforms or organizational forms; and they are not particular of any sector of the economy, they can emerge in non-profit, private, public organizations, or even the informal sector (Caulier-Grice, Davies, Patrick & Norman, 2012). Most social innovations integrate actors from different sectors to increase their impact and scalability, which is one of the main features of social innovation (Westley & Antadze, 2010;Portales, 2015;Le Pennec & Raufflet, 2016;Morais-Da-Silva, 2016). Additionally, to the social innovations created by private and social sectors, social enterprises have emerged as a new type of social innovation and that now constitute a new sector.…”

Inovação social em grandes empresas: o processo de incorporação da temática à estratégia de negócio

“…Antes de abordar a inovação social em grandes corporações, pretende-se abordar o conceito mais amplo de inovação social. O termo inovação social tem recebido crescente atenção de acadêmicos e da sociedade civil em especial na última década, mas a literatura sobre o assunto permanece pouco desenvolvida, caracterizando-se como um campo de conhecimento ainda fragmentado e não consolidado, dado seu caráter multidisciplinar e a ênfase geralmente atribuída a inovações tecnológicas em geral (Bignetti, 2011;Cajaiba-Santana, 2014;Comini, 2016;Morais-da-Silva, Takahashi, & Segatto, 2016;Moulaert, Maccallum, Mehmood, & Hamdouch, 2013;Pol & Ville, 2009).…”