Keywords
social innovation
indicators
impact
Abstract
This study aims to explore the possibilities of measuring the impact of social innovation. The methodology for measuring social innovation was originally based on economic indicators, but aspects of the concept suggest that the fundamental purpose of the process is to ensure and increase well-being, which requires a rethinking of the measurement structure. Defining a model for measuring processes, both the outcome and impact, requires a combination of top-driven (theoretical) and bottom-up (practical) strategies. This paper methodologically explores possible methods and approaches for measuring the impact of social innovation programs through a structured review of the literature and an analysis of different measurement methods. The study concludes that continuous refinement and improvement of the methods is essential, and that a transparent and coherent structure is warranted. Given the difficulties and limitations of quantifying indicators, it is a question of evaluating rather than measuring the impact of social innovation programs.
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