Benefits from Social Innovation

Social innovation, a concept with historical roots dating back to Joseph Schumpeter’s 1930s theories, is still evolving in its definition and practice. Social innovation often intersects with environmental and cultural contexts, potentially leading to significant shifts in societal habits toward sustainability. Recent literature highlights social innovation’s dual role: It is both a tool for policymakers seeking fair and sustainable solutions and a subject of social science research focused on collaborative, creative responses to contemporary challenges. However, risks accompany this potential. Some scholars caution against superficial or short-term social innovations, which might fail to address underlying issues or could be exploited by local governments to reduce costs without substantial benefits. The proGIreg project examines social innovation’s impact on urban environments, focusing on nature-based solutions (NBS) like green walls. Using qualitative surveys, the project aims to evaluate the psychological and social benefits of NBS, particularly their effects on children’s well-being and environmental attitudes. The study, involving a green wall installation in a school, assesses changes in student perceptions and behaviors over two years.