Professor Frank Moulaert: As an economist, I began working on Social Innovation back in the 1980s, in reaction to the strong focus on the role of technology and market competition in innovation research. Since then, together with colleagues from different parts of the world, we have developed an approach to human and social development in which social innovation is understood as a socially emancipatory agency, a driver of cohesive social relations and a catalyst of socio-political transformation.
In the past decade, Social Innovation research has been instrumental in introducing a new pluralism in institutional debates within the social sciences. Projects such as DEMOLOGOS initiated a novel synthesis between structural, institutional and cultural approaches towards human agency in socio-spatial development.
My most recent contributions to social innovation research cover methodologies for social innovation research, especially in regional and local development. These contributions emphasize the importance of inter- and transdisciplinarity, action research and ethically responsible reflexive inquiry.
In Glasgow, I will especially address issues related to ‘Social Innovation and Ethics’: Which ethical perspectives on social innovation are relevant in contemporary society? What is the meaning of mutual aid and solidarity in socially innovative initiatives and movements? What about the ‘natural ethics’ in social innovation research?
In the past decade, Social Innovation research has been instrumental in introducing a new pluralism in institutional debates within the social sciences. Projects such as DEMOLOGOS initiated a novel synthesis between structural, institutional and cultural approaches towards human agency in socio-spatial development.
My most recent contributions to social innovation research cover methodologies for social innovation research, especially in regional and local development. These contributions emphasize the importance of inter- and transdisciplinarity, action research and ethically responsible reflexive inquiry.
In Glasgow, I will especially address issues related to ‘Social Innovation and Ethics’: Which ethical perspectives on social innovation are relevant in contemporary society? What is the meaning of mutual aid and solidarity in socially innovative initiatives and movements? What about the ‘natural ethics’ in social innovation research?
