Support networks for social innovation: Insights from Ireland
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Date
2023
Authors
Chatzichristos, Georgios
Olmedo, Luca
van Twuijver, Mara
O'Shaughnessy, Mary
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Routledge
Published Version
Abstract
This article explores the support structures for social innovation from a network perspective, applying a qualitative enriched Social Network Analysis (SNA) to investigate them. The analysis draws on a survey distributed among three hundred and twenty-one (321) social innovation organisation in Ireland, of which sixty-two (62) valid responses were included in the analysis. This is complemented with sixteen (16) semi-structured interviews with key informants. The current findings identified the strong bridging capacity of the Irish public sector in supporting social innovation, specifically in the start-up phase of social innovative initiatives. At the same time, the findings signal a mismatch between the hybrid nature of social innovation and the unilateral approach of public institutions. It points to the need for blended and cross-sectoral supports in order to scale-up and enable more diverse pathways for systemic change. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Description
Keywords
Ireland , Networks , Social innovation , Social network analysis , Support structures
Citation
Chatzichristos, G., Olmedo, L., van Twuijver, M. and O'Shaughnessy, M. (2023) 'Support networks for social innovation: Insights from Ireland', Journal of Social Entrepreneurship, pp. 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/19420676.2023.2192229