Defining the Concept of Social Innovation

Abstract

To Advance understanding of the concept of social innovation this review section 1 highlights the main uses and areas where the concept of social innovation has emerged. This preliminary analysis leads to the conclusion that there are two essential definitions of social innovation: an outcome-based one and a process-based one. In section 2 we develop the outcome definition and its main features whereas section 3 focuses on social innovation as a multi-stakeholder process.