Social Innovation and Territorial Development - Hardcover

MacCallum, Diana; Haddock, Serena Vicari

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0754672336 ISBN 13: 9780754672333

Publisher: Routledge, 2009

Synopsis

The concept of social innovation offers an alternative perspective on development and territorial transformation, one which foregrounds innovation in social relations. This volume presents a broad-ranging and insightful exploration of social innovation and how it can affect life, society and economy, especially within local communities. It addresses key questions about the nature of social innovation as a process and a strategy and explores what opportunities may exist, or may be generated, for social innovation to nourish human development. It puts forward alternative development options which variously highlight solidarity, co-operation, cultural-artistic endeavour and diversity. In doing so, this book offers a provocative response to the predominant neoliberal economic vision of spatial, economic and social change.

About this title

Review:

'The concept of social innovation brings an important and timely perspective on societal organization and governance with and within communities. The chapters presenting case studies and narratives sit alongside multidisciplinary explorations of social innovation. This book weaves together significant strands in debates about economies and communities.' Nola Kunnen, Curtin University, Australia 'As we emerge from three decades of divisive neo-liberalism, four leading thinkers have assembled this inspirational book. It is both a shrewd theorization of development from below and an encouraging set of case studies showing how social needs and community resources have been the formative influences in local actions in a dozen countries. The book is an excellent and timely resource for local practitioners, civil servants, teachers and students.' Michael Edwards, University College London, UK

Synopsis:

Over the past twenty years, regional development and urban regeneration strategies have traditionally centred on the economic: economic strategies to make regions and cities more market-feasible and competitive; physical renewal strategies to strengthen the economic basis of territories; and institutional transformations. However, the economy may be regarded in a more societal way, as a set of social practices, ranging from the everyday of family and community life to norms of consumption and social regulation of work habits and professional practice.The concept of social innovation offers an alternative perspective on development and regional transformation which puts forward innovation in social relations. Multi-disciplinary and global in approach, this volume presents a comprehensive and insightful exploration of social innovation and how it affects life, society and economy, especially, but not exclusively, at the local and regional level. It addresses key questions about the nature of social innovation as a process and a strategy and what opportunities may exist, and may be generated, for social innovation to nourish human development.It puts forward alternative options which highlight issues of solidarity, co-operation and economic, human and cultural diversity, situated outside and in combination with the market, within or outside cultural-artistic arenas, and at various spatial scales of social empowerment.

In doing so, this book offers a provocative response to the predominant neoliberal economic vision of spatial, economic and social change.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0754672336
• ISBN 13: 9780754672333
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 188
• Editor: Moulaert Frank