Social innovation
Social innovation refers to the 'design and implementation of new solutions that imply conceptual, process, product, or organisational change, which ultimately aim to improve the welfare and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Many initiatives undertaken by the social economy and by the civil society have proven to be innovative in dealing with socio-economic and environmental problems, while contributing to economic development."
"To fully tap the potential of social innovation, an enabling policy framework is needed to support public, non-profit and private actors to co-construct and implement socially innovative solutions and thereby contribute to address socio-economic issues, build stronger territorial resilience and better respond to future shocks."
From the OECD Better; policies for better lives, forum on Social Innovations https://www.oecd.org/regional/leed/social-innovation.htm
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- All-Party Parliamentary Design and Innovation Group.
- Architecture and the need for innovation.
- A social, circular economy.
- Construction innovation.
- Barriers to innovation and Construction 2025.
- Construction Innovation Hub.
- Creative.
- Government plans to put UK at front of global innovation race.
- Innovation in construction projects.
- Innovation – the key differentiator.
- Innovation - the key to success.
- Innovative goods.
- Is Disruptive Innovation possible in the Construction Industry?
- Low Impact Building Innovation Platform.
- Open Innovation programme.
- Rethinking Construction Innovation and Research: A Review of Government Policies and Practices.
- Social Value Act
- Unprecedented Innovation and New Technologies on the Horizon.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.

















