Caring for old persons, working with refugees or teaching children: “social innovation” is currently a hot topic–often a label. The term “social innovation” entered the European scene in the aftermath of the financial crisis. “But what is behind this label?” ask Michael Neumayr, Assistant Professor at the University of Economics of Vienna, Economist Katharina Meichenitsch and social expert Martin Schenk in their newly published book. Who defines “social innovation” in the area of social services, who is putting it forth and who is profiting from it? Does “social innovation” reforms, save or improve the welfare state? Or is the concept just used to commercialise care and social work?
Find out more about the book here (EN).