Social Innovation in the Service of Social and Ecological Transformation: The Rise of the Enabling State

The State can play a crucial role in enabling citizens-led social innovations to accelerate the shift to sustainable and socially just lifestyles. Local communities should be given the freedom to experiment and design solutions that can have a transformative impact. Corporations can also ensure that society taps the full potential of citizens-led social innovations by putting their know-how, access to finance, and control of logistical chains in the service of such innovations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The State has a crucial role to play in fostering citizens-led social innovations that can accelerate the transition towards sustainable and socially just lifestyles. In the face of mounting environmental degradation and growing inequalities, urgent societal transformation is required. Traditional theories of social change often narrowly focus on the State, the market, or technological innovation, neglecting the potential of local communities to design solutions with transformative impact. This book challenges that notion and explores how local communities, given the freedom to experiment, can develop innovative solutions that can reshape societies.

Change cannot solely be imposed from the top down through central ordering by the government or corporations suddenly assuming a responsible role. Societal transformation necessitates a reconstitution of social capital and the emergence of new forms of democracy that arise from collective action at the local level. While the State plays a vital role in providing public services, social protection, and market discipline, it should also act as an enabler of citizen-led experimentation. This means fostering an environment that encourages experimentation, learning, and sharing of knowledge across jurisdictions.

Corporations, too, have a significant role to play in ensuring that society taps the full potential of citizens-led social innovations. They can leverage their expertise, access to finance, and control of logistical chains to support and promote such innovations rather than solely focusing on shaping consumer preferences or adapting to changing expectations. By aligning their goals with the broader societal mission, corporations can contribute to the creation of a more sustainable and inclusive future.

This book provides empirical evidence demonstrating how social innovations, typically developed within niches and initially at a small scale, can have society-wide impacts. It explores the nature of the activism deployed by social innovators. These innovations often arise from grassroots movements, community-based organizations, or individuals who are passionate about addressing social and environmental challenges. By highlighting these examples, the book showcases the power of citizen-led action and the potential for social change at the local level.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the role of the State in enabling citizens-led social innovations. It emphasizes the importance of local communities, corporations, and the broader society in fostering a culture of experimentation, learning, and collaboration. By recognizing the potential of citizen-led social innovations and supporting their development, we can work towards creating a more sustainable, just, and inclusive world.

Weight: 200g
Dimension: 215 x 139 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032121987