Social Innovation Initiatives Research Articles

Social innovation ecosystems of population health in Germany: exploring policy and networks

PurposeThis research examines social innovations in public health (SIPH) in Erfurt and Hamburg, Germany, from 2021 onwards. There is a need for further research to identify the relationship between policies and their effect on SIPH. This paper responds to this need, through a holistic conceptual framework. It becomes a kaleidoscope for exploration: it explores the narrative of SIPH within their landscapes, both outward and inward. This paper inspects whether there is, if any, PH innovation translated into reality. It informs us about the policy vs reality differences and by doing so it expands the research on PH vs social innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on a mixed conceptual framework. The focus is on community SIPH projects, in Hamburg and Erfurt. This paper uses policy field theory to attest to the level of integration between national and state level (1); the ecosystem lens to understand how cities define and create their innovation ecosystem environments (2). It then examines the internal dynamics of the SIPH, exploring whether they exhibit triple or quadruple helix characteristics (Quadruple helix collaboration theory) (3) and whether they are independent (do they behave like an art world in itself) (4) and do they have distinct roles from within (innovation roles theory) (5).FindingsPreliminary findings reveal the absence of community, grass-root level SIPH. Policies are framed within ecosystem narratives: Erfurt’s strong value lies in its university community leadership while Hamburg demonstrates strong cultural component to social innovation. Overall, narratives surrounding social innovation differ, reflecting diverse values and priorities. Further analysis will explore the complex relationship between policy and practice, considering local factors like path dependencies which contribute to the (lack of) community engagement and resources.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on limited national and state policy papers and media sources. The limitation of this is, however, that it may not fully capture the breadth of social innovation initiatives in PH across all levels of governance, healthcare at large, community projects in other geographical areas of the country of Thuringia or for-profit sphere in both cities. It is important to note here that it may largely omit the policy involvement of Thuringia at large, as it focuses on Erfurt. Hamburg, as the state and the city, possesses more capacities and different governmental set-up from Erfurt, which is the capital city of Thuringia state. This is why this paper is not necessarily a comparative one, it is impossible to compare the two. This study furthermore acknowledges a couple of other limitations. First, the diverse theoretical frameworks employed, while offering complementary perspectives (and are being employed precisely for this reason!) are not fully integrated (due to their inherent differences of focus as well as the scope of this research). A more in-depth exploration of each theory could have provided insights. Second, the exclusion of for-profit social enterprises and innovations from the analysis may limit the general applicability of the findings to the broader landscape of social innovation. Third, while the study examined current policies and initiatives, it did not explicitly delve into the historical path dependencies that may have shaped the current context of social innovation in PH. Fourth, the political dimensions of social innovation, such as power dynamics and competing interests among stakeholders, are not explored. Additionally, while this study offers a comprehensive overview, it does not constitute a detailed case study of any of the two cities (which could have provided a more nuanced understanding of specific contexts).Practical implicationsThis research offers practical insights for policymakers and practitioners in the PH sector. By identifying the factors influencing SIPH success, the findings can inform the design and implementation of future initiatives. The comparative analysis of Erfurt and Hamburg demonstrates the need for context-specific strategies that leverage local strengths and address unique challenges. The research emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community engagement and responsive policies to foster sustainable and impactful SIPH.Social implicationsBy analyzing policies holistically and evaluating their level of integration, this paper contributes to discovering a degree of cultural and grass-root readiness towards SIPH.Originality/valueThis research provides a unique grass-root perspective on SIPH in two German cities, highlighting the interplay between policy and local practice. It contributes to a growing body of knowledge on social innovation in the PH sector. By focusing on recent developments and the impact of Germany’s national strategy, the research provides timely and relevant information for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers interested in fostering social innovation for PH. Organizational and sociological perspective, creative theoretical kaleidoscopes, unusual social science approaches to ambiguity of policy worlds might help and, together with the sharp case study methods, discover path dependencies and behaviors we need in order to elevate SIPH in each and community, welcome demographic and health challenges awaiting us with readiness and in time.

Women-Led Social Innovation Initiatives Contribute to Gender Equality in Rural Areas: Grounded Theory on Five Initiatives From Three Continents

Abstract Ensuring gender equality is an important development challenge, especially in rural areas, where women are often marginalized by economic, socio-cultural and policy structures. Women-Led Social Innovation Initiatives (WLSIIs) are a promising way to address this challenge, but their contributions to gender equality depend on complex interactions between marginalizing structures and agency of women. The objective of this paper is to examine how the relevant elements of agency enable WLSIIs to contribute to progress towards gender equality in rural areas. We examine five WLSIIs located in Canada, Italy, Lebanon, Morocco, and Serbia. The cases focus on employment, education, identity, gender roles, and rural development, and are analyzed by grounded theory. We identified 1) gendered identity, 2) (in)dependence of women, and 3) control of women over the “rules of the game” as structural features that can enable or constrain WLSIIs. These concepts are located between grand societal structures (policy, economy, culture, and social organization) and women’s concrete, everyday realities, and as such helped us to understand factors supporting or hindering women’s agency and well-being. We identified women’s self-confidence, women-to-women networks, and self-developed and externally supported capacity as the key elements enabling agency. All these together increased social acceptance of the examined WLSIIs, helping to overcome cultural prejudices and gendered stereotypes. For example, women-to-women networks and self-organization increased economic independence, which reduced skepticism towards “new” roles of women and even changed unequal political dynamics. We conclude that women’s collective agency can be enabled by WLSIIs in diverse geographical and cultural contexts and should be recognized by policymakers as a key mechanism that has great potential for enhancing gender equality and overcoming structures marginalizing rural women.

Dynamic transnational inter-ecosystem framework for smart and inclusive age-friendly environments: The Transnational Local-Sphere Model

The demographic change calls for the creation of age-friendly environments that result from the collaboration between several fields. Previous initiatives fostering age-friendly environments often had less-than-desired impact or reach due to financial and bureaucratic constraints. Additionally, territory-specific standards and needs hinder the replication of good practices. Based on a mixed-methods approach combining a narrative review of knowledge models followed by expert consultation, we propose a framework to maximise the sustainability of Smart Healthy Age-friendly Environment (SHAFE) initiatives by connecting local ecosystems and stakeholders, including underrepresented entities, and thus promote sustainable business models, to ensure the replicability, scalability, and sustainability – the Transnational Local-sphere Model. This social innovation framework goes beyond previously established helix frameworks, by incorporating fresh ideas on democratic policy making, transnational spanning, and inter-ecosystem collaboration, as well as emphasising the role of institutions, stakeholders, networks, and principles. The collaboration and competition between the different stakeholders ensure a value-driven, cost-effective, and inclusive intervention, maximising impact. The Transnational Local-Sphere Model can also be applied in the development of other social innovation initiatives that benefit a usercentred multi-stakeholder inter-ecosystem approach.

Addressing Climate Change Through Social Innovation Initiatives

While social innovation has traditionally emphasised social sustainability, it also presents potential for the mitigation of climate change by influencing social practices. This study explores how social innovation initiatives address social practices to mitigate climate change. Our qualitative study in an affluent setting, a Swedish municipality with high emissions, led to the identification of four dimensions relevant for climate mitigation: SIIs’ social motives, inspiration of others, beneficiary participation, and use of artefacts. Social motives for climate relevant social ends focused on altering the meaning of practices while SIIs’ had social means focused on changing meaning, competences, and materials of emission-intensive practices.

Rural development as the propagation of regional ‘communities of values’: A case study of local discourses promoting social innovation and social sustainability

AbstractDiscourses on rural areas and their development concurrently encompass both negative narratives of them dying out and discussions on how to constitute future visions for a ‘living’, ‘good’ and ‘sustainable’ countryside to work towards. As a solution, ‘social innovation’ has been proposed to counter the economic, demographic and sociocultural challenges disadvantaged rural regions are facing. Accordingly, this article contributes to the growing literature on the dynamics of social innovation initiatives by investigating how rural areas and their communities are communicatively re‐constructed, as part of socio‐spatial processes emerging from the work of rural development initiatives, fostering potential social change towards more sustainable societies. Building on fieldwork from the rural Austrian region of Mühlviertel, it is shown how social innovation aiming at instigating positive territorial developments is linked to intertwined processes of the re‐figuration of social bonds and re‐figuration of space, which is centred around the propagation of regional ‘community of values’ founded on ideas about changing values and social sustainability.

Social innovation in Nigerian public libraries: A roadmap for navigating the challenges and opportunities of inclusivity and diversity in the 5IR era

This paper explores social innovation within Nigerian public libraries, specifically focusing on promoting inclusivity and diversity during the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR). Through a comprehensive analysis of the current landscape, challenges, opportunities, and strategies, the study aims to offer insights and recommendations for enhancing social innovation within these libraries. The findings highlight that Nigerian public libraries, despite being essential community hubs, encounter significant obstacles such as limited resources, technological disparities, and resistance to change, hindering effective social innovation implementation. Nonetheless, the study identifies potential avenues for leveraging technology, improving community engagement, and fostering inclusivity and diversity to drive positive changes within libraries. Social innovation emerges as a transformative approach for addressing societal challenges and advancing the mission of Nigerian public libraries. Strategies such as developing culturally relevant programs, forming partnerships with diverse stakeholders, and establishing clear goals provide a roadmap for guiding social innovation efforts. Additionally, adopting sustainable models for long-term impact is essential for ensuring the success and continuity of social innovation initiatives. Seamlessly, the study underscores the vital role of social innovation in Nigerian public libraries for promoting inclusivity, diversity, and positive societal change during the 5IR era. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and demonstrating a commitment to community service, Nigerian public libraries can serve as catalysts for social transformation, empowering individuals, and creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

Boundary obstacles in social innovation: refugees, volunteers, and caseworkers navigating Denmark’s paradoxical borderscape

Abstract Collaborative methods have gained traction in migration studies, policy, and practice, in turn, engendering calls for new collaborations between research and practice. Bringing multiple perspectives to the production of knowledge in refugee research is particularly pertinent in Denmark, where incongruent policy aims of integration and of return creates a paradoxical borderscape that refugees, volunteers, and municipal caseworkers must navigate. This article draws on a practice-research project, co-developed by two large civil society organizations and university researchers that included collaborative ethnography among refugees, volunteers, and caseworkers in and around a social innovation initiative. It investigates how the conflicting expectations of integration and return shape efforts to change social relationships and strengthen the agency of refugees. We approach collaborative efforts from the perspective of boundary work and coin the concept of ‘boundary obstacles’ to describe core challenges to advancing social innovation initiatives with refugees. Building on a thematic analysis of qualitative data comprising fieldnotes and interview transcripts, we identify three boundary obstacles: positionalities, emotionalities, and politicizations. Finally, the article reflects on the prospects and challenges of social innovation and recommends ways to approach those challenges as boundary obstacles that can help set new directions for collaborative research with refugees.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Social Innovation Programming at Advancing Rural Development in the Context of Exogenous Shocks

In this paper, we design and deploy an experimental approach to evaluate the efficacy of a social innovation initiative implemented in rural communities situated in the highlands of Peru, which confronted the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the midst of its implementation. Using three rounds of information collected before, during, and after participation, we examine the efficacy of the social innovation economic development approach at increasing household livelihoods. We present robust, statistically significant improvements in household economic well-being, food security satisfaction, and community outlook for participating households compared to non-participating households following program engagement. The results presented in this study suggest that the social innovation program facilitated a notable restructuring of the portfolio of household income and livelihood activities towards more lucrative and value-added pursuits. This transition manifested in increased involvement in entrepreneurial ventures and specialized labor associated with both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors while distancing from traditional agricultural and livestock-related endeavors. The income gains stemming from self-employment activities and wage labor outweigh the losses incurred from reduced agricultural and livestock earnings. Furthermore, our analysis underscores the resilience of innovative income-generating pathways in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, outperforming traditional agrarian value chains. These findings highlight the efficacy of social innovation programming in facilitating economic development and also shed light on sustainable strategies for economic resilience amidst unforeseen challenges such as the recent global health crisis.

Doing Well by Doing Good Innovations: Outcomes of The "LENTERA Sukamoro" Community Development Program

PT Bukit Asam Dermaga Kertapati Unit (PTBA Derti) is a State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN) in the coal mining business. As a coal distribution firm, PT Bukit Asam Unit Dermaga Kertapati is required to practice Corporate Social Innovation (CSI) and environmental social responsibility in the area surrounding its activities. The PTBA Derti CSI program is carried out in Sukamoro Village under the name "LENTERA Sukamoro". It focuses on community development that is commensurate with the community's social, economic, and environmental situations. This study aims to investigate, from the viewpoint of program participants, the results of a corporate social innovation (CSI) initiative in community development. Data was gathered through surveys, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews with 15 LENTERA Sukamoro program participants, PT Bukit Asam Dermaga Kertapati, and local government heads and officials. The study discovered that the "LENTERA Sukamoro" program from PTBA Derti was able to solve a variety of difficulties in Sukamoro Village, including a large number of housewives who do not have jobs or engage in productive activities, poverty, a lack of skills, and unproductive land issues. The "LENTERA Sukamoro" program enables the community to enhance its skills and capacities, raise income and welfare, and gain access to renewable energy. This study adds to the limited literature on CSI in Indonesia by examining how commercial organizations in the country contribute to community development through CSI. This study's findings should be valuable to community development practitioners, CSI providers, and researchers.

THE ROLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN NURTURING SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND IMPACT INNOVATION AMONG UNIVERSITY

The present study attempts to explore the role of higher education institutions in nurturing social entrepreneurship and impact innovation among selected university students. The research evaluates the impact of university efforts on students' skills and mindset, to understand how universities can better nurture socially conscious entrepreneurs and innovators. This study evaluates how universities support social entrepreneurship and impact innovation, including resource allocation, program diversity, and involvement of students. It also evaluates how these programs impact students' skills and mindset. It will examine how these initiatives affect students' skills, mindset, and ability to contribute to society. This research aims to help universities prepare socially conscious entrepreneurs by giving them the necessary tools and mindset for impactful and sustainable innovation and also by measuring factors such as problem-solving abilities, entrepreneurial mindset, and attitudes toward societal challenges. A quantitative method of inquiry is adopted to address the need for research evaluating the effectiveness of prevailing social entrepreneurship and impact innovation initiatives within the selected universities, qualitative insights could enrich the depth of the research findings. Data will be collected through a multistage convenient sampling of respondents from the universities of the Agra region, using a semi-structured questionnaire. This research will help to improve societal well-being by studying the impact of these programs on student's mindsets and skills. With the help of these programs, higher education can significantly contribute to sustainable development and societal well-being by equipping students with impact innovation skills. As this study was conducted on a limited number of students of universities in Agra (Uttar Pradesh), the results do not claim generalization to other contexts.

Social Innovation and the Financial Risk of EMNCs - The Contingent Role of Institutional Legitimacy

This paper examines the influence of social innovation on financial risk of emerging economy multinational corporations (EMNCs). Traditionally, research has focussed on Western MNCs’ and their financial performance implications. However, the growing involvement of EMNCs in social innovation—albeit in environments characterized by institutional voids—and its effects on financial risk necessitate an in-depth examination. Drawing on stakeholder theory, we explored how EMNCs balance their social innovation initiatives with financial risks. To this end, we first examine how social innovation reduces the financial risk of EMNCs. Second, we examine the association between excessive social innovation and EMNCs’ financial risk. In addition, borrowing insights from institutional theory, we assess the role played by institutional legitimacy in this process, acknowledging institutional legitimacy’s potential to mitigate the financial risks associated with social innovation in emerging economies. We test our hypotheses based on data drawn from 90 EMNCs in 14 emerging economies, applying a panel regression model with robust standard errors and a rigorous robustness propensity score matching test. Our findings show that social innovation reduces EMNC financial risk, and challenge the assertions made regarding the potential negative implications of excessive social innovation on financial risk. Our results also demonstrate the intricate moderating effects of institutional legitimacy in balancing social innovation, excessive social innovation, and EMNC financial risk. Finally, we proffer critical implications for managers and policymakers in emerging economies.

A View on a PHP-Based Project for A Donation and Waste Food Management System

Food waste is a problem that affects everyone. People are impacted anywhere it is present, including in our homes, schools, restaurants, grocery stores, places of business, and even in transportation. With the help of this software, hotels can give leftover food to those in need while reducing food waste. With the help of this software, users may sign up, log in, see, add, and remove products from their carts, and then log out of the system. Additionally, this software contained a real-time database. Through this app, food donors may enter information about their donations, and NGO volunteers can see the photographs of the food that each donor has contributed. Food waste is a widespread issue in our culture. Management of food waste is essential since it may increase our sustainability both economically and environmentally. We have determined how mobile technology may be used to minimize food waste management, and we have developed an android mobile application that enables restaurants or individual users to share and donate their leftover food with those in need. We intended to complete this project in order to use an Android application to lessen food waste. The visitor may log in and input the kind, quantity, and location of food that is offered in this project. The agent is then sent a brief notice. The agent at that location may log in and get the donor's data after receiving the notice. The software allows the donor to create an account, and he may log in to add the location and food data anytime there is food waste. The agent is also capable of retrieving the data and holding an account. Once the information has been retrieved, the agent may go get food from the donor and provide it to the orphans or other needy people. Food redistribution is an incredibly effective social innovation initiative that addresses food poverty and waste. Because it has a distinct account for every user, the user's information is kept private

Solvers' participation in crowdsourcing initiatives for social innovation: Exploring interactions among motivational forces

We know that solvers self‐selecting in social innovation challenges come from diverse backgrounds including, among others, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and professionals from various industries. However, we are not aware of what motives actually bring such solvers to self‐select to address these challenges. This study aims at understanding how different kinds of motivations intervene and interact with the solvers' intention to participate considering the specific context of crowdsourcing for social innovation. Drawing on the self‐determination theory, we built a theoretical framework that hypothesizes how intrinsic, extrinsic, and prosocial motivations interact with one another and affect solvers' self‐selection process in social innovation initiatives. Empirically, to investigate the theoretical framework, a survey research design involving the use of questionnaires was adopted to obtain primary data from solvers engaged in crowdsourcing initiatives for social innovation to solve Covid‐19‐related problems in the HeroX platform. We found that prosocial motivations positively affect the solvers' self‐selection process. Moreover, our results highlight that intrinsic and extrinsic motivations differently moderate the relationship between prosocial motivations and intention to participate. The results of this study offer relevant contributions to previous crowdsourcing and organizational psychology literature and provide critical implications for managers designing and organizing crowdsourcing for social innovation challenges.

Social innovation initiatives of NGOs in a Hungarian disadvantaged area

The study examines social innovation endeavours initiated by non-profit organisations in the Abaúji region53. Addressing the challenges facing the region (emigration, ageing, unemployment and educational inequalities) requires the accurate identification of local needs and the involvement of the population in decision-making. One of the tools for these initiatives is social innovation and support for social innovation endeavours. The key actors in the social innovation process are non-profit organisations (NGOs), which see social innovation primarily as a mission. The aim of our study is to present social innovation solutions initiated by NGOs in the region and to explore the possibility of their adaptation as good practice. The study alsoidentifies the main sets of criteria that, in addition to providing a structured record of each case study, will help to make good practices comparable. Documentation against the identified criteria will support the process of adaptation, which is critical to the successful implementation of social innovation initiatives.

THE CONCEPT OF SOCIAL INNOVATIONS AND THEIR ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY

The article is devoted to the study of the concept of social innovations and their essential role in the development of modern society. The author analyzes the key aspects of social innovations, defines their essence and main characteristics. The article highlights various areas of application of social innovations, ranging from social entrepreneurship to technological solutions that contribute to solving social problems. Special attention is paid to the impact of social innovations on social change and sustainable development. The authors present examples of successful implementation of social innovations in various countries, emphasizing their importance for the formation of a more equitable and efficient society. The scientific article makes a valuable contribution to understanding the role of social innovation in modern socio-economic dynamics and provides practical recommendations for the development and support of social innovation initiatives.

Together for the greater goods: legitimising social innovation in the pharmaceutical field

Social innovation initiatives in the pharmaceutical field seek alternative, collaborative ways to address problems with availability and affordability of medicines. However, these experimental initiatives require legitimacy. Formulating goals is a way of creating and contesting legitimacy, also for social innovation initiatives, yet has not been studied in this context. Based on document analysis (policy reports, news articles and websites) and semi-structured interviews, we investigate what form and role goal formulations take in constructing and contesting the legitimacy of two Dutch social innovation initiatives: one novel coverage arrangement for a rare disease drug and one new manufacturing process for a personalised cancer treatment. We find that actors formulate goals to manage consensus with powerful, independent governance bodies and with those who reserve their judgement concerning the initiative. They also manage differences, highlighting role differentiation within collaborations and emphasising contrasts with outsiders. These findings show the importance of professional identities and the experimental nature of social innovation initiatives. We conclude that formulating goals is used to probe for and attempt to ensure the longevity of social innovation. Working together in diverse partnerships for ‘the greater goods’ (plural) is thus essential for organising durable social innovation in the European pharmaceutical field .

Empower to Care or Care to Empower? The Theory Behind the Practice That Transforms

The global community has increasingly called for solutions to address the escalating social challenges exacerbated by prevailing patterns of production and consumption, as well as the inadequacy of traditional responses. As a result, there is a growth in the proposition of social innovation initiatives that seek to generate value through the transformation of social practices. The objective of this research is to propose a set of references that inspire the identification of movements to facilitate collective processes of fostering the creation of social value in the construction of initiatives in urban peripheries. This study will help to deepen the understanding of social innovation, exploring the process of initiatives and how strategic design concatenates the processes that involve relationships, co-projection, and dissemination of ideas.

Medidas de impacto social para a inovação social: Desafios e caminhos

ABSTRACT Purpose: How to evaluate the social impact of social innovation has emerged as an important question posed by academics, organizations, and policymakers in recent years. One reason for this is the increasing concern with the social impact of different types of organizations and social practices, particularly in response to a recognition of the urgency of developing more inclusive economies and societies. To find an answer to this question, this research seeks to investigate the state-of-the-art in terms of social innovation impact measurement, drawing on both scientific literature and practitioner literature. Originality/value: This research discusses the challenges posed by measuring the impact of social innovation initiatives and how these measurements may change the assessment process. The analysis finds that methodologies for measuring social innovation have mainly been undertaken in Europe, where these initiatives are largely addressed. Design/methodology/approach: This paper adopted a qualitative research approach based on the scoping review method. This method is widely used to identify emergent topics in scientific literature, aiming to identify implications for research and decision-making. The research was developed based on different steps to obtain information about the social impact measurement indicators and their overall contribution to the advancement of social innovation. Findings: The results also confirmed the lack of social innovation frameworks, methodologies, and tools capable of measuring the social impact of social innovations. Furthermore, a set of barriers in this field was identified, which can be used to channel better upcoming academic research on developing social impact indicators for social innovation.

Towards new geographies of cohesion in a context of growing inequalities: insights from two social innovation projects in Milan metropolitan area

ABSTRACT This contribution critically examines the possible interface between territorial cohesion and social innovation by investigating how two local social innovation initiatives in the Milan metropolitan area have tried to tackle existing territorial inequalities. The paper draws on the outcomes of the Horizon 2020 Project ‘COHSMO―Inequality, Urbanization and Territorial Cohesion: developing the European social model of economic growth and democratic capacity’ (2017–2021) and places emphasis on the ways in which social innovation can emerge in the public sector and be sustained by public action in connection with civil society to solve problems of socio-spatial inequalities in distressed urban neighborhoods. Findings show that social innovation in the two cases has been interpreted as a trigger for empowering socially vulnerable inhabitants and reconnecting them with existing welfare services. This has happened through a filter mechanism that allowed to create a soft space where institutional and third-sector actors could approach vulnerable individuals in informal settings, answer to their emerging social needs, and promote empowerment processes. The analysis highlighted a relationship of complementarity between social innovation and the welfare system due to the capacity of socially innovative actions to fill some gaps present in existing welfare spaces or in the market.

Enablers and impact of social innovation in higher education institutes: a futuristic perspective

Purpose Social innovation is a nascent field. Within research on social innovation, the context of higher education has largely been ignored. To better understand social innovation, it is important to explore factors that facilitate social innovation in universities’ context. There is little research on enablers of social innovation in universities and the impacts of social innovation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to understand the enablers of social innovation in the Saudi Arabian context. Moreover, the impacts of social innovation projects are also explored. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was used to carry out this study. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, and content analysis was performed. Findings Data revealed that institutional commitment, mission, active collaborations, curriculum, support, training, community university engagement offices, university social impact offices and reward and evaluation were among critical enablers. The impact of social innovation in terms of social, institutional, economic and community specific was also reported. Originality/value Research on the enablers and outcomes of social innovation in the higher education context is limited. This study adds to the innovation literature by investigating what processes and factors (enablers) can help universities to engage in social innovation initiatives and what are the outcomes (impact) of engaging in social innovation. Findings of the study have important policy implications.