How does social innovation generate social impact? Contributions from a meta-synthesis

Ronalty Oliveira Rocha; Adriana Roseli Wunsch Takahashi; Andrea Paula Segatto

doi:10.14211/regepe.esbj.e2279

Authors

Ronalty Oliveira Rocha Curso de Tecnologia em Secretariado, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá, AP, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4943-4195
Adriana Roseli Wunsch Takahashi Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4738-5273
Andrea Paula Segatto Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8903-9256

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14211/regepe.esbj.e2279

Keywords:

Social innovation promoter agent, Social innovation Drivers/Facilitators, Network of actors.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze how social innovation actions and practices presented in case studies, generate social impact. Methodology: The meta-synthesis was adopted, which, by identifying empirical research (case studies) and establishing comparative analyses, revealed new possibilities for investigation, deepening and theoretical expansion. Results: The results show the heterogeneity of the concept and actions of social innovation, identify its promoters, driving and/or enabling elements, actor networks, and forms of social impact, and link social innovation and impact to other approaches and opportunities for innovation. Theoretical/Methodological contributions: The study was able to synthesize preponderant elements to reach social impact from social innovation actions, themes little explored in an integrated way. In addition, it explored the meta-synthesis method, reinforcing the application of this research strategy as a tool for building theories and identifying findings that surpass the original conclusions of primary case studies. Originality: Given the differences in social impact detection and measurement, and the lack of a standard for social impact generation through social innovation, this study summarizes empirical findings, categorizes, and identifies aspects and elements that condition social impact generation through social innovation. Social / Management Contributions: In addition to portraying conceptual aspects, drivers and forms of social impact, this study offers a discussion on the integration between driving agents, boosters and networks of actors that can help practitioners of social innovation, public and social managers in stimulating and generation positive results (social impact) from this innovation.

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Author Biographies

Ronalty Oliveira Rocha, Curso de Tecnologia em Secretariado, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá, AP, Brasil

is a professor of management disciplines in the Secretarial Technology course at the Federal University of Amapá (UNIFAP). He is a doctoral candidate in Administration at the Federal University of Paraná (PPGADM/UFPR), Master in Administration (PROPADM/UFS) and graduated in Administration from the Federal University of Sergipe (PROPADM/UFS). His areas of interest include management, innovation practises and strategies, social innovation, entrepreneurship, startups, technology adoption, etc. His articles have been published in journals such as Iberoamerican Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business (IBJESB), Pensamiento y Gestión, Revista Pensamento Contemporâneo em Administração (RPCA), Independent Journal of Management & Production (IJM&P), etc.

Adriana Roseli Wunsch Takahashi, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brasil

is a professor in the doctoral, master's and undergraduate courses in Business Administration at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR). He holds a PhD in Business Administration from the University of São Paulo (USP), with a sandwich doctorate at Lancaster University (UK), a post-doctoral internship at Fundação Getúlio Vargas/ SP, a Master in Business Administration from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) and a degree in Economics from the Catholic Faculty of Administration and Economics (FAE). His areas of interest include organizational skills, organizational learning, and teaching and research in administration. Her articles have been published in journals such as Management & Organizational History, Organizações & Sociedade, Revista de Administração Contemporânea, etc.

Andrea Paula Segatto, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brasil

is Professor in the Doctorate, Masters and Graduation courses in Business Administration at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR). She holds a PhD and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of São Paulo (USP) and a degree in Business Administration and Economics from the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU). His areas of interest are innovation, technology and sustainability management, focusing mainly on the following topics: Alliances, Collaborations and Technological Partnerships, Social Impact Businesses, Social Innovation and Technology Transfer. Her articles have been published in journals such as the International Journal on Management of Innovation & Technology, RBGN-Revista Brasileira de Gestao de Negocios, International Journal Of Social Ecology And Sustainable Development, International Journal Of Entrepreneurship And Innovation, etc.

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