This invaluable Encyclopedia presents an interdisciplinary and comprehensive overview of the field of social innovation, providing an insightful view into potential future developments both practically and theoretically. With entries authored by prominent international scholars, the Encyclopedia outlines the theoretical foundations, concepts, types, processes and measurement of social innovation. Entries cover a variety of key themes including social innovation ecosystems, co-creation, new technologies and methods, education, governance and policies. The Encyclopedia of Social Innovation will serve as a significant reference point for both scholars and students of social entrepreneurship, sociology and management. It will also be beneficial for all those seeking to clarify various problem-solving routes in the face of contemporary societal challenges. Key Features: 77 accessible and fully-referenced entries An interdisciplinary scope providing readers with a sound overview of social innovation in different research areas Exploration of the societal, political, business and entrepreneurial ramifications of social innovation Examination of the challenges caused by modern phenomena such as rapid population growth and how these challenges have affected new social demands.

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary. This insightful Research Agenda offers unique perspectives into the different strands of social innovation research, covering the history and theory of this ever-growing research field. Chapters show the range and depth of the social advances that characterize this vibrant and contested subject, and analyse the strong increase in political and public interest in social innovation. Exploring the potential influence of social innovation on important social factors, the Research Agenda looks at education, poverty reduction, environmental policies, and health and social care. Contributors examine the approaches and successful initiatives that illustrate the strengths of social innovations in manifold areas and in establishing sustainable patterns of consumption, while coping with demographic change. Possible future research pathways are outlined and new topics such as social innovation ecosystems, epistemic diversities and sustainable development are examined in detail. This discerning and innovative Research Agenda will be an ideal read for social innovation researchers, policy-makers and innovation-policy stakeholders. It will be a welcome addition to the literature for innovation practitioners and entrepreneurs looking for theoretical insights into this influential subject.

This book introduces readers to essential facilitation techniques for leadership in the contexts of project and network management. It provides method-based messages, a facilitator curriculum, and a veritable arsenal of 50 carefully selected and 'reality-tested' tools for facilitation in non-hierarchical contexts. As such, readers will benefit just as much from learning by doing as from doing by learning. This book is also intended for all managers who are responsible for successful communication and co-operation in projects in and across organisations or networks of organisations, and who want to know how to share their plans effectively and improve collaboration. Though the book employs scientific principles, it is chiefly a practical guide, and draws on the authors' extensive experience in consultancy and management.

Dieser Band macht konkrete soziale Innovationen zum Gegenstand. Der Schwerpunkt liegt bei den Kommunen von Stadt und Land, sei es beim Carsharing oder bei der Bewaltigung der zahlreichen Erscheinungsformen des demografischen Wandels, bei neuen Wohnformen oder Schulen als Innovationszentren. Der Band soll das Verstehen sozialer Innovationsprozesse erleichtern, fur das Verhalten in solchen Prozessen qualifizieren und den Diskurs uber die Rolle der Sozialwissenschaften in, fur und bei sozialen Innovationsprozessen vor Ort befoerdern. Gezeigt wird, wie vielfaltig involviert Sozialwissenschaft mit ihren Theorien und Methoden praktisch wird, wie sie soziale Veranderungsprozesse unterstutzt, verbessert und bereichert; auch, wie sie ihr theoretisches Verstandnis sozialer Prozesse und ihre methodische Kreativitat an ihnen scharft; und, zu guter Letzt, wie SozialwissenschaftlerInnen selbst als wissenschaftliche Begleitung solcher Prozesse von deren Beobachtung und Analyse lernen, daran wachsen koennen. Der InhaltDiffusionsprozesse sozialer Innovationen beobachten und begleiten * OEkosysteme sozialer Innovation entdecken und entwickeln Die HerausgeberDr. Hans-Werner Franz ist Mitglied des Geschaftsfuhrenden Vorstandes des BDS (Berufsverband Deutscher Soziologinnen und Soziologen) und Permanent Advisor of ESSI (European School of Social Innovation) mit Sitz in Wien. Dr. Christoph Kaletka ist Senior Researcher und Mitglied der Geschaftsfuhrung der Sozialforschungsstelle, zentrale wissenschaftliche Einrichtung der TU Dortmund.