Social innovation and social policy analysis

This chapter discusses the relationship between social innovation and the discipline of Social Policy, as opposed to social policies per se, i.e. the systematic study of how social problems are conceptualised and responded to collectively. The chapter observes that, although the scope of Social Policy analysis has always been wide, nevertheless its parameters and interests have expanded significantly of late. Social Policy takes a global and comparative rather than a national orientation, and it is as concerned with ‘New Social Risks’ as much as more familiar conditions and concerns. These developments mean that the discipline should pay attention to SI. Despite this, there remains some scepticism towards SI within Social Policy. This is partly an expression of frustration at the apparent lack of impact of SI, in particular the seeming inability of SIs to deliver sustained transformational change at a societal level. The chapter considers such criticisms, reflecting on some of their implications and the questions they raise. As SI and Social Policy share an interest in effecting practical change rather than detached commentary, the chapter highlights some areas where each might learn from the other, and suggests how their respective and overlapping agendas can be advanced together.