Perspectives of social innovation disseminated by support organizations: implications for the ecosystem
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-8077.2024.e98927Keywords:
Social innovation, Social innovation ecosystem, Support organizations, Perspectives on social innovationAbstract
Goal: This illustrative case study aimed to problematize the conception of social innovation underlying the work of prominent training support organizations in the EIS.
Methodology/approach: The research was conducted through observation, document analysis and interviews, investigating two relevant training support organizations that operate in the EIS of Florianópolis (SC), based on the analysis of three dimensions of SI: process, actors and purpose.
Originality/relevance: Unlike approaches that treat SI in a neutral or homogeneous way, the study reveals how these organizations are linked to specific narratives — technocratic or democratic —, shaping not only social innovation practices, but also the direction of social change processes in the ecosystem.
Main findings: The research revealed that the technocratic perspective of SI is the most prevalent in the work of the organizations investigated. This shows that the conception of SI is not neutral, but represents a project of society in dispute.
Theoretical contributions: The study expands the understanding of social innovation by showing how support organizations shape meanings and narratives in the ecosystem, highlighting the influence of technocratic and democratic perspectives on social change processes.
Management contributions: The research offers insights for managers to align their practices and narratives with the desired social transformations, highlighting the impact of the perspectives adopted in the configuration of the social innovation ecosystem.
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