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In the last two decades, social innovation (SI) and social entrepreneurship (SE) have gained relevance and interest within the framework of academia at international level. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are key players in promoting innovation and social entrepreneurship initiatives that respond to multifaceted challenges. They support strategies on the basis of the strengthening of participation, collaboration, and cooperation with society and its local communities. However, the approach of Latin American universities to SI and SE has been very uneven in the way they have understood them, integrated them into academic programmes, and transferred knowledge to society. On the basis of the experience of the Students4Change project, we sought to understand the role of Latin American HEIs in promoting social innovations by analysing the experiences of 10 participating universities to formalise a pedagogical programme on SI and SE in their institutions. The results suggest that there is still a need to formalise an academic syllabus that is specifically designed to promote social innovations and to train universities in this endeavour. This paper contributes to the identification of the main levers of change, strengths, and challenges that Latin American universities face to institutionalise SI and SE in their contexts.

In the last two decades, social innovation (SI) and social entrepreneurship (SE) have gained relevance and interest within the framework of academia at international level. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are key players in promoting innovation and social entrepreneurship initiatives that respond to multifaceted challenges. They support strategies on the basis of the strengthening of participation, collaboration, and cooperation with society and its local communities. However, the approach of Latin American universities to SI and SE has been very uneven in the way they have understood them, integrated them into academic programmes, and transferred knowledge to society. On the basis of the experience of the Students4Change project, we sought to understand the role of Latin American HEIs in promoting social innovations by analysing the experiences of 10 participating universities to formalise a pedagogical programme on SI and SE in their institutions. The results suggest that there is still a need to formalise an academic syllabus that is specifically designed to promote social innovations and to train universities in this endeavour. This paper contributes to the identification of the main levers of change, strengths, and challenges that Latin American universities face to institutionalise SI and SE in their contexts.

Potential contributions of universities to social innovation are explored with special attention to Southern countries. The normative guide is the notion of Sustainable Human Development understood as stressing the agency of least-advantaged sectors. The main challenges stem from decreasing sustainability and increasing inequality. Their impacts are highly dependent on how the tension between economic growth and environmental protection is managed. Improving actual perspectives demands harnessing advanced knowledge to foster inclusive and frugal innovation. For this to occur, universities need to be main actors. The context in which they act is analyzed with reference to the National Systems of Innovation conceptualization. Possible evolutions of universities as agents of social innovation are discussed with the aid of the Multi-Level Perspective. The importance of the Southern experience of innovating in scarcity conditions is highlighted and illustrated with the specific experience of a Latin American university. The cooperation of universities with weak social actors in ways that involve advanced knowledge appears as a key theoretical issue and as a difficult practical problem for the effective engagement of universities in social innovation. The diverse issues that such engagement needs to integrate conform an ambitious research program, of which the paper aims at giving a first glimpse.

Potential contributions of universities to social innovation are explored with special attention to Southern countries. The normative guide is the notion of Sustainable Human Development understood as stressing the agency of least-advantaged sectors. The main challenges stem from decreasing sustainability and increasing inequality. Their impacts are highly dependent on how the tension between economic growth and environmental protection is managed. Improving actual perspectives demands harnessing advanced knowledge to foster inclusive and frugal innovation. For this to occur, universities need to be main actors. The context in which they act is analyzed with reference to the National Systems of Innovation conceptualization. Possible evolutions of universities as agents of social innovation are discussed with the aid of the Multi-Level Perspective. The importance of the Southern experience of innovating in scarcity conditions is highlighted and illustrated with the specific experience of a Latin American university. The cooperation of universities with weak social actors in ways that involve advanced knowledge appears as a key theoretical issue and as a difficult practical problem for the effective engagement of universities in social innovation. The diverse issues that such engagement needs to integrate conform an ambitious research program, of which the paper aims at giving a first glimpse.

This study seeks to unpack the formation mechanisms of social innovation (SI) initiatives in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Subsequently, this study employs a qualitative case study to investigate (1) local embedding, (2) trans-local connectivity and (3) university linkages of SI initiatives in Cuernavaca. Previous research indicated that socio-spatial dynamics are critical for the development of SI initiatives. Furthermore, previous research asserted that universities are imperative to SI in the context of Latin America. Nevertheless, previous research contemplating the formation mechanisms of SI was primarily westerncentric and displayed an inadequacy to acknowledge SI in the context of Latin America. Based on previous research this study presents a theoretical framework that classifies the results in eight typologies based on (1) local embedding, (2) trans-local connectivity and (3) university linkages. All three dimension are classified as either "high" or "low", which grants insights into influential formation mechanisms. Subsequently, a sample of n=10 SI initiatives was compiled and twelve semi-structured interviews with representatives of the SI initiatives were conducted. The results indicate three typologies of SI initiatives. Five SI initiatives were classified as: HLH – high local embedding, low trans-local connectivity, and high university linkages. Four initiatives were classified as: LHH – low local embedding, high trans-local connectivity, and high university linkages. One initiative was classified as HLL – high local embedding, low trans-local connectivity, low university linkages. The results indicate that SI initiatives either seek to address local challenges or direct their efforts to trans-local challenges. Furthermore, universities evidently play a critical role in the formation of SI initiatives in Cuernavaca and Mexico. This study contributes to SI literature by presenting evidence that universities possess critical roles in the formation of SI. Future research should increasingly embed universities into theoretical approaches when investigating SI formation mechanism in Latin America.

This study seeks to unpack the formation mechanisms of social innovation (SI) initiatives in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Subsequently, this study employs a qualitative case study to investigate (1) local embedding, (2) trans-local connectivity and (3) university linkages of SI initiatives in Cuernavaca. Previous research indicated that socio-spatial dynamics are critical for the development of SI initiatives. Furthermore, previous research asserted that universities are imperative to SI in the context of Latin America. Nevertheless, previous research contemplating the formation mechanisms of SI was primarily westerncentric and displayed an inadequacy to acknowledge SI in the context of Latin America. Based on previous research this study presents a theoretical framework that classifies the results in eight typologies based on (1) local embedding, (2) trans-local connectivity and (3) university linkages. All three dimension are classified as either "high" or "low", which grants insights into influential formation mechanisms. Subsequently, a sample of n=10 SI initiatives was compiled and twelve semi-structured interviews with representatives of the SI initiatives were conducted. The results indicate three typologies of SI initiatives. Five SI initiatives were classified as: HLH – high local embedding, low trans-local connectivity, and high university linkages. Four initiatives were classified as: LHH – low local embedding, high trans-local connectivity, and high university linkages. One initiative was classified as HLL – high local embedding, low trans-local connectivity, low university linkages. The results indicate that SI initiatives either seek to address local challenges or direct their efforts to trans-local challenges. Furthermore, universities evidently play a critical role in the formation of SI initiatives in Cuernavaca and Mexico. This study contributes to SI literature by presenting evidence that universities possess critical roles in the formation of SI. Future research should increasingly embed universities into theoretical approaches when investigating SI formation mechanism in Latin America.

Inspired by the South American research tradition known as “social technology,” this article proposes an operational framework to advance the understanding of mechanisms that help to promote social transformation. To illustrate its theorizing potential, we apply the framework to a nonprofit organization–Parole d’excluEs–that was created in Montreal (Canada) in 2006 and that has been promoting citizen mobilization and commitment to social change (parole-dexclues.ca). To that end, we offer a theoretical paper with an empirical illustration as a first step in a reflection on employing a global South theoretical lens–drawing on the concept of social technology–to make sense of a global North social innovation experience and to advance existing knowledge on the mechanisms of social transformation. The results contribute to social innovation research and practice, particularly at the interface between the management and nonprofit literatures.

Inspired by the South American research tradition known as “social technology,” this article proposes an operational framework to advance the understanding of mechanisms that help to promote social transformation. To illustrate its theorizing potential, we apply the framework to a nonprofit organization–Parole d’excluEs–that was created in Montreal (Canada) in 2006 and that has been promoting citizen mobilization and commitment to social change (parole-dexclues.ca). To that end, we offer a theoretical paper with an empirical illustration as a first step in a reflection on employing a global South theoretical lens–drawing on the concept of social technology–to make sense of a global North social innovation experience and to advance existing knowledge on the mechanisms of social transformation. The results contribute to social innovation research and practice, particularly at the interface between the management and nonprofit literatures.

University intellectual property policies, and the accompanying strategies for incubation of IP via licensing and spin outs, have not received much analysis from academic lawyers. Moreover, despite the success of universities in the UK at generating income from IP, not much is known about how transferable this success is when considered in the light of a rapidly growing middle-income developing economy such as Mexico’s. In this article we analyse critically some of the key tenets of IP policies at universities in the UK to identify what the key legal principles underpinning university innovation are. We further consider the potential application of these principles in Mexico, where so far only a limited number of universities have developed IP policies and strategies in line with the incubator model. We explain how universities in Mexico could implement these research findings in their own IP policies. We further note that the mere provision of an IP policy is not a panacea – on its own it is insufficient for ensuring technology transfer and it may even encourage unnecessary patenting. Further investment in infrastructure and in establishing a culture of incubation and entrepreneurship is also required.

University intellectual property policies, and the accompanying strategies for incubation of IP via licensing and spin outs, have not received much analysis from academic lawyers. Moreover, despite the success of universities in the UK at generating income from IP, not much is known about how transferable this success is when considered in the light of a rapidly growing middle-income developing economy such as Mexico’s. In this article we analyse critically some of the key tenets of IP policies at universities in the UK to identify what the key legal principles underpinning university innovation are. We further consider the potential application of these principles in Mexico, where so far only a limited number of universities have developed IP policies and strategies in line with the incubator model. We explain how universities in Mexico could implement these research findings in their own IP policies. We further note that the mere provision of an IP policy is not a panacea – on its own it is insufficient for ensuring technology transfer and it may even encourage unnecessary patenting. Further investment in infrastructure and in establishing a culture of incubation and entrepreneurship is also required.

Background: Identifying social innovation in health initiatives, promoting quality of life through them, and transforming current health conditions demand the knowledge, comprehension and appropriation of the theoretical and methodological developments of this concept. Academic developments in social innovation have mainly occurred in and been documented for English-speaking countries, although...

Background: Identifying social innovation in health initiatives, promoting quality of life through them, and transforming current health conditions demand the knowledge, comprehension and appropriation of the theoretical and methodological developments of this concept. Academic developments in social innovation have mainly occurred in and been documented for English-speaking countries, although...

There are currently several social innovation initiatives being developed in isolation, where each one has its own path. In this context, actors want to collaborate and be coordinated in a network in order to increase the development and dissemination of social innovations. The use of collaboration mechanisms gives rise to the expectation that actors playing in groups tend to achieve quantitative and qualitative performance higher than individual performances. While the potential benefits of collaboration are recognized, effectively achieving collaboration is still a challenge for social innovation. In this context, the objective of this study is to identify how the concepts of collaboration are recognized in social innovation environments. In addition, we investigated which mechanisms are used and what are the difficulties faced by actors in this context. To do so, a survey research on the aspects of collaboration in social innovation environments was conducted. Results shown that engagement is the most cited challenge related to human factors; from 30 techniques mentioned, Design Thinking is the most applied; and from 41 tools, Google Drive is the most cited. Results from qualitative analysis shown that collaboration is considered essential to social innovation environments, although there are several challenges reported.

There are currently several social innovation initiatives being developed in isolation, where each one has its own path. In this context, actors want to collaborate and be coordinated in a network in order to increase the development and dissemination of social innovations. The use of collaboration mechanisms gives rise to the expectation that actors playing in groups tend to achieve quantitative and qualitative performance higher than individual performances. While the potential benefits of collaboration are recognized, effectively achieving collaboration is still a challenge for social innovation. In this context, the objective of this study is to identify how the concepts of collaboration are recognized in social innovation environments. In addition, we investigated which mechanisms are used and what are the difficulties faced by actors in this context. To do so, a survey research on the aspects of collaboration in social innovation environments was conducted. Results shown that engagement is the most cited challenge related to human factors; from 30 techniques mentioned, Design Thinking is the most applied; and from 41 tools, Google Drive is the most cited. Results from qualitative analysis shown that collaboration is considered essential to social innovation environments, although there are several challenges reported.

Recent studies regarding Social Innovation (SI) represent a small percentage of the academic research, and as a consequence the methodologies, focuses, and practices about this topic have not been consolidated. The social innovations generate intangible benefits, mainly qualitative, which makes it difficult to evaluate, even though few authors have indicated the distinguishable characteristics of SI there is not consensus about how to measure it. This document presents the results of a research project with the main objective of identifying the criteria distinguishing SI, and to propose a tool to facilitate its measurement, tracing, and potential assessment. A systematic criteria revision was performed along with a comparative study of eight SI projects from Latin America, prioritizing such criteria. With this information a proposal was developed, including the criteria, associated questions and ponderations. In order to validate the utility of this tool, the evaluation of the project "Implementation of a Solar-Eolic hybrid system in a school in remoted and insolated areas" was performed. The evaluation process allowed to inquire and discover the weaknesses and to explore the limiting causes for every criterion, giving place for recommendations directed to the developers and beneficiaries of the project. Throughout this tool it can be determined whether a project can be considered a successful SI or not; in case of not being successful, the method exerts a simple view of the characteristics that need improvement.

The process of social innovation involves 3 major stages: codiseño, coejecucion and monitoring. In this communication, the progress and results of the co-design process of the Project entitled Development of a Participatory Integral System to Improve and Restore Soils and the Productivity of Communities of the District of ÑURUM, which is executed in the Ngobe Buglé Comarca of Veraguas province. The methodology of Participatory Rural Innovation (IRP) with a polytextural approach was applied for the first time in Panama, to address a problem identified by the community itself. The results included: current situation of each context in the studied community, detection of SIR (redundant attempted situations), contextual interaction, disruptive tests and detection of possible overcoming. We also managed to address aspects of governance, requirements and potential of the community and finally innovative solutions were generated that constitute possible subprojects that make up the comprehensive roadmap of social innovation for soil improvement in Cerro Pelado. The experience allowed us to validate that there is a dynamic of social behavior very characteristic of each culture that largely determines the way in which people affected by a problem approach the possible solutions. In this context, CyT groups need to establish effective links with the affected communities to identify, design and implement solutions in a collective and sustainable way.

The process of social innovation involves 3 major stages: codiseño, coejecucion and monitoring. In this communication, the progress and results of the co-design process of the Project entitled Development of a Participatory Integral System to Improve and Restore Soils and the Productivity of Communities of the District of ÑURUM, which is executed in the Ngobe Buglé Comarca of Veraguas province. The methodology of Participatory Rural Innovation (IRP) with a polytextural approach was applied for the first time in Panama, to address a problem identified by the community itself. The results included: current situation of each context in the studied community, detection of SIR (redundant attempted situations), contextual interaction, disruptive tests and detection of possible overcoming. We also managed to address aspects of governance, requirements and potential of the community and finally innovative solutions were generated that constitute possible subprojects that make up the comprehensive roadmap of social innovation for soil improvement in Cerro Pelado. The experience allowed us to validate that there is a dynamic of social behavior very characteristic of each culture that largely determines the way in which people affected by a problem approach the possible solutions. In this context, CyT groups need to establish effective links with the affected communities to identify, design and implement solutions in a collective and sustainable way.

This study analyses the importance of teaching social entrepreneurship in state universities. A survey was applied to university students to find out if personality traits are related to the characteristics of social entrepreneurship. This was achieved through Alpha Cronbach and Pearson/Spearman correlation analysis. The results show that students have the personality traits to become social entrepreneurs. However, social entrepreneurship courses are not taught in universities of Tijuana city. Therefore, it is strongly suggested to teach social entrepreneurship in universities of the city and the state because students possess social entrepreneurship traits and are interested in the subject.

This study analyses the importance of teaching social entrepreneurship in state universities. A survey was applied to university students to find out if personality traits are related to the characteristics of social entrepreneurship. This was achieved through Alpha Cronbach and Pearson/Spearman correlation analysis. The results show that students have the personality traits to become social entrepreneurs. However, social entrepreneurship courses are not taught in universities of Tijuana city. Therefore, it is strongly suggested to teach social entrepreneurship in universities of the city and the state because students possess social entrepreneurship traits and are interested in the subject.

This work compares in a comparative way some advances in the promotion and management of Social Innovation adopted by four Latin American countries, including Panama, in order to generate more knowledge to promote the strengthening and design of new public policies in this ambit. Panama is in the incipient stage of Social Innovation management, compared to the other three countries analyzed: Colombia, Costa Rica and Chile. Among the structural elements addressed are: regulations, the degree of institutionality, mechanisms and incentives to promote social innovation projects and good institutionalized practices. Since 2014, Panama shows its interest and advances in the subject, in the academic and university academic sectors, which can take advantage of social innovation to obtain a greater impact in the country and promote a more inclusive social development. Colombia began efforts to promote Social Innovation in 2007, Chile and Costa Rica in 2014, as well as Panama. These three countries have a higher level of progress in the elements analyzed in their Social Innovation ecosystems than Panama, however, they do not have enough mechanisms to clearly identify the failures that prevent the strengthening of the culture of social innovation and, therefore, the establishment of much more effective public policies.