When done well, assessment illuminates understanding of what innovations work, and what needs to change. Assessment, then, has a vital role to play in supporting innovators themselves, as well as enabling leaders and managers to make informed decisions on policy instruments, and funders and investors to decide where, when and how much to spend.
This paper sets out the current approaches to assessment of social innovation as a field in itself; and the effects of social innovations that are implemented through programmes, projects and enterprises. We examine metrics to support policy development; approaches that support investment decisions; metrics to support the growth of social innovations; and actions that can support knowledge and learning.
Overview:
Section 1 addresses what is meant by social innovation and what it can achieve.
Subsequently, explanation is provided on what the current problems and obstacles are in assessment as well as the opportunities for improvement. In reponse to this, this section notes the proposed framework for measuring and assessing social innovation.
Section 2 considers assessment for policy-makers, who have an important role to play in promoting social innovation. Good evidence and assessment is crucial in shaping and informing such policy developments.
Furthermore, stronger effort to provide forecasts of the potential effects of innovations on outcomes and finances would have many benefits, thus section 3 reviews metrics for investment decisions and section 4 covers the assessment to underpin the progression of innovations.
With many groups having a stake in shaping and driving forward the assessment of social innovation, section 5 examines approaches to sharing learning and extending knowledge in addressing the evaluation culture of EU funded projects and recommendations for improvement.
Social Innovation Europe's report on assessment and metrics for social innovation in Europe.
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