Toward a Coherent Methodological Framework for Examining Social Innovation in the Public Sector

Abstract

Creating an integrated social innovation concept requires connecting, engaging, and applying theories and practices into an encapsulating framework. Therefore, the exploitation of various methodologies becomes inevitable and a force in underpinning positive change. This study examines a coherent methodological framework that can be utilized toward examining social innovation in the public sector. The proposed framework provides foundations for examining social innovation leading toward empowering citizens and influence societal changes toward smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth.

Keywords:

• social innovation
• methodology
• public sector

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ramzi El-Haddadeh

Ramzi El-Haddadeh is a senior lecturer at Brunel Business School, Brunel University, UK. He holds a PhD in data communication and information technology. His current research interests include technology infrastructure adoption and evaluation, and digital government research. He currently serves as the managing editor for the International Journal of Electronic Government Research. He is currently an investigator in several European Commission-funded research projects on technology usability and adoption and technology-enabled social innovation.

Zahir Irani

Zahir Irani is Professor of Operations and Information Management and is the head of Brunel Business School. He has co-authored a teaching text-book on information systems evaluation, and written over 200 internationally refereed articles and received ANBAR citations of research excellence. He is on the editorial board of several journals, as well as co-and mini-track chair to international conferences. He has received numerous grants and awards from funding bodies that include EU FP7, EPSRC, ESRC, Royal Academy of Engineering, Australian Research Council (ARC), QinetiQ, and Department of Health. He is editor-in-chief of both the Journal of Enterprise Information Management and Transforming Government: People, Process, and Policy.

Jeremy Millard

Jeremy Millard is a chief policy analyst at the Danish Technological Institute, Denmark and visiting research fellow at Brunel Business School, Brunel University, UK. Jeremy has extensive experience in eGovernment and eParticipation initiatives, both in Europe and globally. He also provides advice to governments and businesses on new forms of organizational strategy and performance, as well as to civil organizations on social and open innovation. In addition, his clients include the European Commission, United Nations, OECD, and Council of Europe.

Antonius Schröder

Antonius Schröder is a senior researcher and member of management board of the Sozialforschungsstelle sfs–Technische Universität Dortmund (Social Research Centre at the University of Technologies Dortmund), responsible for European Research. He has worked in and coordinated several European projects in the fields of vocational education and training, organizational and personnel development (including equality and diversity, multi-cultural aspects), industrial change, industrial relations, social dialogue, and innovation.