Landscape of social innovation research in the global south: trends and implications for future research

Purpose This study aims to assess the state-of-the-art on social innovation research in the global south. Design/methodology/approach Through a systematic review, we answer the questions: how is social innovation conceptualized in global south studies; by what methods has the concept been investigated in global south studies; what is the scope of things described as social innovation and what are the implications of these for future research on the topic of social innovation particularly in the global south? Findings The study reveals (1) the interdisciplinary convergence of social innovation with intersecting fields such as Business Economics, Environmental Science, Psychology and Health Sciences; (2) a pronounced disparity in research output between the Global North and South highlighting the need for increased empirical studies and collaborative efforts to address knowledge imbalances; (3) the trajectory of research from 2002 to 2024 shows significant growth phases, reflecting the field’s evolving recognition and response to global challenges. Originality/value The analysis emphasizes the critical role of community engagement, institutional frameworks and socio-economic conditions in fostering social innovation. By examining analytical perspectives at the individual, institutional and ecosystem levels, the paper underscores the importance of integrative approaches and context-sensitive studies.