Expansion of social innovation initiatives: A proposition for trajectory analysis

Objective: To propose a model for analyzing the elements which influence the expansion’s trajectory of social innovation initiatives. These initiatives have the purpose of generating new social responses, based on activities developed by a collective of actors. Methodology: This research has a qualitative approach, using Adaptive Theory. It was performed bibliographic research, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews for researchers’ groups and two study cases. Originality/relevance: The analytical model is presented suggesting that the expansion of a social innovation could be analyzed by its dissemination stage and/or by its systemic change stage. The model still presents the stages of decline and reinvention that can occur in any time of social innovation initiatives route. Main results: It was developed a framework with dimensions, analysis categories and indicators that accomplish the expansion path of social innovation initiatives. Theoretical/methodological contributions: The results obtained through the literature review, when confronted with the various phases of empirical research, will allow for advancing discussions on social innovation initiatives. Social/management contributions: The multiple possibilities of paths presented in the model provides an analytical framework for reflection, designed so that it can be applied in different contexts, representing a perspective of evaluation and analysis of other social innovation initiatives, and can be used in the development of new public policies.