TEPSIE is a research project under EU’s 7th framework programme

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TEPSIE: the theoretical, empirical and policy foundations for building social innovation in

Europe

Special focus on the role of science in social innovation and the example of

demographic change

Jeremy MillardDanish Technological Institute

TEPSIE is a research project under EU’s 7th framework programme

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Tepsie objectives

Major contributions to:• Developing tools, methods and

policies for EU strategy for social innovation and tackling ‘wicked’ problems

• Examining theoretical underpinnings, content and methodological frameworks

• Moving towards consistency of definitions and understandings

• Strengthening the scientific foundations

TEPSIE is a research project under EU’s 7th framework programme

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Some scientific underpinnings (1)What is the theoretical challenge?

Summary definition of social innovationBEPA definition (2011): “Social innovations are innovations that are both social in their ends and their means.”

Here, social innovation has two main parts1. Processes: new ways in which societies operate2. Impacts: new solutions to meeting real social demands at 3 levels:

a. Social demand: Needs of groups, e.g. disadvantaged & vulnerableb. Societal challenge: Broader view of social wellbeing across all societyc. Systemic change: Tackling need by changing fundamentals of society

TEPSIE is a research project under EU’s 7th framework programme

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Some scientific underpinnings (2)How does social innovation take place?

Three main steps (?)

1. Experiment & multiply options – ”publish” prompts Proposals

2. Select the best, what works – ”filter” prototypes sustaining

3. Scale – ”grow” scaling systemic change

“Failure” is good – but fail small and early, rather than

big and late

TEPSIE is a research project under EU’s 7th framework programme

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Some scientific underpinnings (3)Mixes of methods and tools ?

Cross sector learning, e.g. businesses using models for mobilising user networks developed by non-profits; and NGOs learning from venture capital how to finance emerging ideas and how to kill off ones not working.

Tools & techniques: e.g. ethnographic; visualisation from product design; user involvement from social movements; commissioning methods from public sector

Funding methods used for science; venture capital; tendering; grant giving

Best/good practices and knowledge sharing from industry; qualitative, appreciative enquiry and social policy experimentation from the social sciences; more quantitative log-frames and randomised control trials from medical and other sciences

TEPSIE is a research project under EU’s 7th framework programme

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Some scientific underpinnings (4)How to measure ?

Three trends in measurement

Up the value chain

More focus on outcomes and impacts

Down the organisational hierarchy

More focus on localities, the front line, users and beneficiaries

Out of the organisation

Draw on multiple sources and actors

TEPSIE is a research project under EU’s 7th framework programme

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Rapidly changing demographics

• Population growth• Migration• Urbanisation• Ageing ”time-

bomb”• Inter-generational

transfers

Economic costs of ageing (conservative estimate)

TEPSIE is a research project under EU’s 7th framework programme

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Example: social innovation and the ”ageing crisis”The Viedome community platform (NL)

Toolbox for personalising home care by user choice of services and ICT across 8 pillars of support:

Care Comfort Security Information

Mextal: commercial firm with €7m turnover pa, 25 employees

Partnerships with LAs, civil organisations, communities, firms

Embedding services and activities in everyday life and community

Advice Communication Entertainment Commerce