Social innovation as a process to overcome institutional voids: a multidimensional overview

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to propose a theoretical framework to explore social innovation as a response to institutional voids in a multidimensional analysis. Originality/gap/relevance/implications: Approaching the social innovation of the theoretical lens of institutional theory, in the institutional voids perspective. One of the gaps is to propose a multidimensional perspective that will occur through the examination of multiple actors in different institutional settings. Key methodological aspects: To support the framework, six theoretical proposals were developed from theoretical gaps identified in a systematic literature review, started in Web of Knowledge database. Summary of key results: Results indicate dimensions that can be investigated in social innovation initiatives that fill institutional voids. The following dimensions were found: dimensions of institutional contexts (considering different contexts and the interference of political, financial, education/work and cultural systems); dimension of multiple actors (giving voice to different actors who have complementary objectives); dimension of the institutional pillars (cognitive, normative and regulative) and dimensions of social innovation (modify/transform a social need; innovative solution, implementation of social innovation, involve actors and stakeholders and effective results). Key considerations/conclusions: This framework can be further tested in comparative studies among countries with distinguished levels of development. We identified the importance to analyze different social contexts and the diverse actors who are involved in social innovation initiatives. We identify new areas that are influencing social innovation and we propose new possibilities to investigate this field.

Social Innovation to Sustain Rural Communities: Overcoming Institutional Challenges in Serbia

“…One strand of literature assumes that new socially responsible initiatives need strong and functioning institutional arrangements, where the government, markets and civil society create and maintain an enabling environment for innovations [36][37][38]. However, another strand of literature empirically shows that social innovation initiatives usually emerge in environments that are institutionally deficient [7,[39][40][41][42].…”

“…The research field of this contribution is still in an embryonic phase. Only a few articles have currently been published that investigate how institutional factors affect and shape social innovation processes in the fragile contexts of emerging market economies [7,[40][41][42]. In fact, there are no empirical studies involving social innovation in rural sectors in Serbia.…”

“…Examining social innovations, most of the literature focuses on social innovations in developed countries in Western contexts [47]. Such cases represent situations markedly different from those in developing or transition economies, where poverty, unemployment and diverse social problems are much more pronounced [7,[40][41][42] and are characterised by institutional voids [3,4].…”

“…Such conditions constrain and impede solving specific policy issues [6] and lead to severe social inequalities [5]. In these conditions, multiple actors (companies and other types of organisations) seek innovative solutions to mitigate social problems [7,8].…”

“…We understand social innovation as a broad process, encompassing the concepts of social entrepreneurship and social enterprise, but also a range of other social initiatives and activities, which can be identified as socially innovative in certain settings. We stress this issue to clarify that we do not restrict the term "social innovation" to the establishment and activities of social enterprises, not all of which are innovative [7]. As such, this study focuses on institutional settings that are of relevance for various types of social innovations and enterprises within the Serbian context.…”