ANALYSIS OF THE DIMENSIONS OF SOCIAL INNOVATION IN PROJECTS SEEKING FOR SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Abstract

The general objective of the research is to investigate how the dimensions of social innovation, in light of the Tardif and Harrisson (2005) model, manifest themselves in projects aimed at children and young people in a state of social vulnerability. Meeting the various social needs, such as education, health and income takes place in the third sector, which, by producing a social innovation, promotes the development and well-being of the population (Tondolo, 2013). Thus, social innovation is expressed as the cooperation of individuals who seek to meet unmet social demands through innovative solutions, producing more quality of life (Bignetti, 2011). Tardif and Harrisson (2005) elaborated a model with dimensions of social innovation after studying 49 cases. This research is qualitative, descriptive and exploratory in nature. The research strategy was chosen to develop a comparative case study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, documentary research and direct observation. The data analysis used was content analysis, with the aid of Atlas.ti 7.5 software. The first case does not completely fit the denomination for methodological issues, as it does not present some fundamental characteristics of a social innovation, according to Tardif and Harrisson (2005). However, the second case fits, but with caveats for the non-participation specifically of children in the decision-making process. This does not detract from the work performed in both cases. Furthermore, elements not covered in detail in a model, but apparently characteristic of the analyzed context, are explained to be better studied in the future.