SOCIAL INNOVATION – THEORY AND PRACTICE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF “CREATIVE CITY – SUSTAINABLE REGION” (KRAFT) NATIONAL PROGRAMME

Abstract

In this study we summarize the importance, research aspects of social innovation
both from the theoretical and practical points of view. We begin with the introduction of the
KRAFT Programme (started in 2012), a pilot regional development policy and its relation to
social innovation. It is followed by presenting the interrelatedness of social innovation and
the UN Sustainable Development goals, highlighting the various challenges which should be
addressed. In accordance with many years of experience in regional development, we put
much emphasis on the governance of social innovations and the variety of actors which could
be the initiators. In this regard, we describe how different organizations can be engaged in
such practices resulting in social change (social meta-innovation). Finally, we highlight some
best practices in the field of social innovation at the Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg
(iASK).