Mapping the Various Meanings of Social Innovation: Towards a Differentiated Understanding of an Emerging Concept

52 Pages Posted: 23 Jul 2012 Last revised: 3 Dec 2012

See all articles by Dominik Rueede

Dominik Rueede

EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht, EBS Business School

Kathrin Lurtz

EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht, EBS Business School

Date Written: July 19, 2012

Abstract

With a growing and especially fragmented body of literature on social innovations, the demand for categorizing the field increases. This study analyzes the current use of the concept social innovation. Following a systematic conceptual literature review methodology, the authors reviewed articles and books. The elements were then grouped in coherent categories. The authors found seven categories of social innovation that are linked to a distinct understanding of the concept. After presenting the categories and major themes which are discussed within each category, the different categories are set in context with each other. Subsequently, the authors discuss how the most prominent conceptualizations meet the criteria of concept clarity. Finally, the authors point to some aspects that are necessary in the future in order to strengthen the clarity of the social innovation concept.

Keywords: Social innovation, conceptual literature review, concept clarity

Suggested Citation

Rueede, Dominik and Lurtz, Kathrin, Mapping the Various Meanings of Social Innovation: Towards a Differentiated Understanding of an Emerging Concept (July 19, 2012). EBS Business School Research Paper No. 12-03, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2091039 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2091039

Dominik Rueede (Contact Author)

EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht, EBS Business School ( email )

Rheingaustraße 1
Oestrich-Winkel, 65187
Germany

Kathrin Lurtz

EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht, EBS Business School ( email )

Rheingaustraße 1
Oestrich-Winkel, 65187
Germany

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