Abstract
The paper first introduces the concept of ecosocial innovations. These are local organizations embedded in social and solidarity economy, which combine ecological and social challenges in their work. They are successful models of how to operationalize sustainability. Based on a cross-national, multi-case study with a social work background, the paper aims at providing insights about the work and significance of ecosocial innovations. Drawn from interview material collected in four countries within selected ecosocial innovations, seven themes as common characteristics of these local actors are presented. One trait of ecosocial innovations is a creative mix of paid work, voluntary engagement, and subsidized employment in their activities. This mix is not only a compromise due to a lack of resources, but it also acknowledges the interconnectedness of well-being and sustainable social practices. The paper concludes with a summary of the main results and an outlook of the potential of ecosocial innovations for the future. They could for example serve as models for an ecological social work
Highlights
What is the common ground between a mobile bike repair station in Belgium, a field of organic vegetables in South Tyrol, a former hospital in Helsinki hosting cultural events, and an open space for sustainable well-being? They can all be called ecosocial innovations (ESI), which are developing and spreading throughout European societies at the present time
The projects, associations, and cooperatives behind the concrete action are part of a social and solidarity economy that contributes to a change of the current, dominating, economic growth system
The social and solidarity economy already puts some of these solutions into action at the local level
Summary
They can all be called ecosocial innovations (ESI), which are developing and spreading throughout European societies at the present time. They bring sustainability into the world (Fichter, 2010; Howaldt, Kopp, & Schwarz, 2015); or in other words, these innovations are the operationalization of a sustainable development (Mehmood & Parra, 2013). The social and solidarity economy already puts some of these solutions into action at the local level. It can be seen as a forerunner or as a counter-economy It can be seen as a forerunner or as a counter-economy (Wallimann, 2014, p. 49; Elsen, 2016)
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