A RIS-framework for capturing ‘resonance’ as a critical element for promoting Social Innovations

Abstract

This paper presents a research framework to analyse the role of Social Innovations more comprehensively in addressing ‘grand societal challenges’ and related regional development issues. Based on the assumption that Social Innovations are particularly suited to tackling the ‘grand societal challenges’ and thus raising regional endogenous potentials, the framework comprises Regional Innovation Systems, Social Innovation and Resonance Theory acknowledging both structural and individual drivers for spatially embedded Social Innovation activities. We first portray these strands separately. Second, we identify and describe the links between them. Third, we combine them in an integrated framework suitable to analyse Social Innovation development and its regional sway. This framework consists of different conceptual layers, which are related by people, firms and further stakeholders acting within their regional networks. It contributes to conceptual clarity and suggestions for empirical operationalisation. Finally, its empirical application facilitates formulating options of actions regarding Social Innovations for promoting regional development.