Social innovation as a driver of economic development

Abstract

Aim. To study theoretical and methodological aspects of the phenomenon of “social innovation”.Tasks. To systematize the existing knowledge about social innovations, to identify the genesis of the concept of “social innovation”; to establish how the content of this concept has changed and in connection with what, what importance scientists assign to this concept at present.Methods. The research was carried out with the help of methods of scientific knowledge (analysis of scientific works of foreign and domestic authors in the field of economics and management, synthesis of concepts and approaches).Results. Theoretical aspects of social innovation have been studied. International and domestic works of scientists of different time periods and countries were analyzed. On the basis of the study the following definition was obtained: social innovations are innovations that are an effective tool to stimulate the solution of acute problems in society (in case of short impact), a trigger of transformations and/or a driver of economic development (in case of long impact), affecting the quality of institutions in order to improve the quality of life of people.Conclusions. Despite the fact that the concepts of “innovation” and “sociality” developed independently and independently of each other, they have always evolved simultaneously. This is evidenced by the works of thinkers of all historical epochs, starting from the Ancient World. Moreover, with the passage of time there is a scientific “splicing” of these two concepts, which becomes most noticeable at the turn of the late XIX - early XX century, when the world is experiencing significant socio-economic and political events. More and more scientists raise pressing questions about what social innovation is - a derivative or a producer, an indicator or a tool, influencing institutions or being influenced by institutions. The significance of this study lies in the attempt to systematize theoretical and methodological aspects for further study of this phenomenon.