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Social Innovation and Social Care: Local Solutions to Global Challenges

Author

Listed:
  • Javier Castro-Spila

    (SOCINNOVA (Social Innovation Excubator), Plaza de las Cigarreras Nº 1, IMPACT HUB, 20012 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain)

  • David Alonso González

    (Department of Social Work and Social Services, Knowledge Institute of Technology (KTI), Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Juan Brea-Iglesias

    (Department of Social Work and Social Services, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Xanti Moriones García

    (Agenda, Innovation and Evaluation Division, Social Care and Social Policy Department, Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, Txara II. Paseo Zarategi, Nº 99, 20015 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain)

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of the Local Care Ecosystems developed by the provincial government of Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain) to strengthen coordination between social services, health services, and community-based initiatives at the municipal level. The initiative seeks to personalize care, enhance service integration, and support community-based care with the overarching goal of improving the quality of life for older adults living at home. These ecosystems incorporate social, institutional, and technological innovations aimed at supporting individuals who are frail or vulnerable throughout the care cycle. At present, 18 Local Care Ecosystems are active, providing services to 1202 people over the age of 65 and 167 families. The model addresses a growing global challenge linked to population aging, which has led to increasing demand for care and support services that are often fragmented, under-resourced, and constrained by outdated regulatory frameworks. These structural issues can compromise both the quality and efficiency of care for dependent individuals. Based on the findings, the paper offers policy recommendations to support the transfer and adaptation of this model, with the aim of improving the well-being of older adults who wish to remain in their own homes.

Suggested Citation

  • Javier Castro-Spila & David Alonso González & Juan Brea-Iglesias & Xanti Moriones García, 2025. "Social Innovation and Social Care: Local Solutions to Global Challenges," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:8:p:479-:d:1714583
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joanna Chataway & Rebecca Hanlin & Raphael Kaplinsky, 2014. "Inclusive innovation: an architecture for policy development," Innovation and Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 4(1), pages 33-54, April.
    2. Nino Antadze & Frances R. Westley, 2012. "Impact Metrics for Social Innovation: Barriers or Bridges to Radical Change?," Journal of Social Entrepreneurship, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 3(2), pages 133-150, October.
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