The Challenge of Social Innovation: Approaches and Key Mechanisms of Development

Abstract

Recently, a key motive for innovation has been the generation of economic value. Currently we are facing a challenge to develop new approaches to involving the public in solving social problems through innovation based on collaboration and cooperation. Consequently, there is an urgent requirement to shape a favorable environment for innovation, creating both economic and social value. The purpose of this study is to reveal mechanisms for the development of social innovation that can be successfully introduced and implemented in Russia. The advantage of a systems-based approach to social innovation is that social innovation is defined as institutional change leading to the emergence of new routines (traditions) or practices. The use of benchmarking, along with comparative and historical analysis, to study foreign experiences of social innovation makes it possible to identify best practice in creating the conditions needed to develop social innovations, organize innovation processes and promote systemic innovations. On the basis of information received, key mechanisms of social innovation were identified, including that of innovation mediation. The system capabilities of Living Labs in the promotion of social innovations were, in particular, investigated.