Short answer
Consider social innovation as a process of creatively recombining existing social practices to address unmet needs.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- TNO Repository (2014)
- Method
- Literature Review
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Social innovation can be understood as the creation of novel configurations of social practices that address societal needs. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2014 study published in TNO Repository. Using Literature review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Consider social innovation as a process of creatively recombining existing social practices to address unmet needs.
Social Innovation: A New Combination of Practices
Social innovation can be understood as the creation of novel configurations of social practices that address societal needs.
TNO Repository · 2014
Key Findings
- 01Social innovation is characterized by new combinations or configurations of social practices.
- 02Theoretical frameworks from social change, social innovation studies, and innovation management are crucial for understanding the concept.
Application
Design takeaway
Consider social innovation as a process of creatively recombining existing social practices to address unmet needs.
How to apply
When tackling a societal problem, analyze existing social practices within that domain and explore how they can be rearranged or combined differently to create a more effective solution.
Project actions
- 01When defining your design problem, consider if it can be addressed by changing how people interact or use existing resources.
- 02Look for inspiration in how different communities or organizations already solve similar problems and see if those solutions can be adapted or combined.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a broad theoretical overview of social innovation.
- +Synthesizes insights from multiple academic fields.
Limitations
This theoretical review doesn't provide specific examples of successful social innovations or a step-by-step guide for implementing them.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of this literature review stems from its comprehensive scope and synthesis of existing research. Validity is supported by drawing from established theoretical fields. However, the subjective interpretation of literature can introduce some variability.
Think critically
How might the 'new combination of social practices' be measured or evaluated for its effectiveness and sustainability?
Design Principles
"Social innovation emerges from the novel configuration of established social practices."
Understanding social innovation as a recombination of existing practices provides a framework for designers and researchers to identify opportunities for positive societal change. It shifts the focus from purely technological invention to the strategic rearrangement of social elements.
What This Means for Your Design
Social innovation is about finding new ways to do things in society by putting together existing ideas and actions in a fresh way.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to frame your understanding of social innovation as a core concept in your design project, especially if your project aims for societal benefit.
- 2.Cite this work when discussing the theoretical underpinnings of your approach to social challenges.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research frames social innovation as the creation of new social practices through novel combinations of existing elements. This perspective is valuable for design projects aiming for societal impact, as it suggests that innovation can arise not only from new technologies but also from the strategic reconfiguration of social interactions, resources, and organizational structures.
Source
TNO Repository
Theoretical approaches to social innovation – A critical literature review
journal · 2014
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about social innovation: a new combination of practices?
- Consider social innovation as a process of creatively recombining existing social practices to address unmet needs. Evidence: TNO Repository (2014).
- Why does "Social Innovation: A New Combination of Practices" matter for design?
- Understanding social innovation as a recombination of existing practices provides a framework for designers and researchers to identify opportunities for positive societal change. It shifts the focus from purely technological invention to the strategic rearrangement of social elements.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Consider social innovation as a process of creatively recombining existing social practices to address unmet needs.
- What were the main findings?
- Social innovation is characterized by new combinations or configurations of social practices.. Theoretical frameworks from social change, social innovation studies, and innovation management are crucial for understanding the concept.
- What research method was used?
- Literature Review.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2014 journal from TNO Repository.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When tackling a societal problem, analyze existing social practices within that domain and explore how they can be rearranged or combined differently to create a more effective solution.
- What are the limitations?
- The review is theoretical and does not delve into the empirical implementation or specific outcomes of social innovation initiatives.