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Developing the Transformative Capacity of Social Innovation through Learning: A Conceptual Framework and Research Agenda for the Roles of Network Leadership

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  • Tim Strasser

    (International Center for Integrated Assessment and Sustainable Development, Maastricht University, 6211 KR Maastricht, The Netherlands)

  • Joop de Kraker

    (International Center for Integrated Assessment and Sustainable Development, Maastricht University, 6211 KR Maastricht, The Netherlands
    Faculty of Management, Science & Technology, Open University, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands)

  • René Kemp

    (International Center for Integrated Assessment and Sustainable Development, Maastricht University, 6211 KR Maastricht, The Netherlands
    United Nations University—Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT), United Nations University, 6211 AX Maastricht, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Learning processes play a crucial role in the development of the transformative capacity of social innovation actors. This article builds on the recently developed Transformative Social Innovation (TSI) theory to propose a conceptual framework and research agenda for understanding and investigating the roles and limits of network leadership in supporting learning processes that serve to develop the transformative capacity of social innovation. This focus on network leadership is underdeveloped so far in TSI theory. Addressing this research gap also serves to increase the practical relevance of TSI theory to practitioners engaged in network leadership. After presenting a synopsis of TSI theory, we present an overview of the elements of the conceptual framework, which are successively specified throughout the article. First, transformative change is conceptualized, involving three institutional dimensions: depth, width and length. Based on this, a definition of transformative capacity is proposed that addresses change across these three dimensions. We then describe how various types of learning processes can contribute to the development of transformative capacity. Next, we outline the roles of network leadership in supporting these learning processes across various network levels. We conclude with a research agenda for empirically investigating these roles of network leaders as agents for advancing transformative changes for sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Tim Strasser & Joop de Kraker & René Kemp, 2019. "Developing the Transformative Capacity of Social Innovation through Learning: A Conceptual Framework and Research Agenda for the Roles of Network Leadership," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-21, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:5:p:1304-:d:210297
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Cajaiba-Santana, Giovany, 2014. "Social innovation: Moving the field forward. A conceptual framework," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 42-51.
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    5. John Grin & Jan Hassink & Vanja Karadzic & Ellen H.M. Moors, 2018. "Transformative Leadership and Contextual Change," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-14, June.
    6. Phil Mount, 2012. "Growing local food: scale and local food systems governance," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 29(1), pages 107-121, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Richa Kumari & Ki-Seok Kwon & Byeong-Hee Lee & Kiseok Choi, 2019. "Co-Creation for Social Innovation in the Ecosystem Context: The Role of Higher Educational Institutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-21, December.
    2. Tim Strasser & Joop de Kraker & René Kemp, 2020. "Three Dimensions of Transformative Impact and Capacity: A Conceptual Framework Applied in Social Innovation Practice," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-40, June.
    3. Petteri Repo & Kaisa Matschoss, 2019. "Social Innovation for Sustainability Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-12, December.
    4. Jackwerth, Thomas & Afghani, Nof & Daimer, Stephanie & Lindner, Ralf & Wittmann, Florian, 2023. "Public sector organisations as agents of transformations: A framework for analysing structural changes within Public Sector Organisations (PSO)," Discussion Papers "Innovation Systems and Policy Analysis" 80, Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI).
    5. Mathias Guérineau & Julien Kleszczowski & Julie C. Mayer, 2022. "Transforming the system to face grand challenges by experimenting with "pragmatic" utopias: the case of the "Zero Long-Term Unemployment Territories" [Transformer le système fac," Post-Print hal-04147166, HAL.
    6. Néstor Vercher, 2022. "The Role of Actors in Social Innovation in Rural Areas," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-24, May.
    7. Borrás, Susana & Haakonsson, Stine & Taudal Poulsen, René & Pallesen, Trine & Hendriksen, Christian & Somavilla, Lucas & Kugelberg, Susanna & Larsen, Henrik & Gerli, Francesco, 2023. "The Transformative Capacity of Public Sector Organizations in Sustainability Transitions: A Conceptualization," Papers in Innovation Studies 2023/2, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    8. Matschoss, Kaisa & Mikkonen, Irmeli & Gynther, Lea & Koukoufikis, Giorgos & Uihlein, Andreas & Murauskaite-Bull, Ingrida, 2022. "Drawing policy insights from social innovation cases in the energy field," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    9. Chiara Marradi & Ingrid Mulder, 2022. "Scaling Local Bottom-Up Innovations through Value Co-Creation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-23, September.

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