Ecosocial innovation and «twin transitions». A critical reflection on the tension between sustainability and digitalization

Multiple challenges of sustainability – ecological, social, economic – call for a more equitable, fair, and inclusive distribution of resources and services. Civil society and businesses are increasingly made responsible to promote innovations in this direction. The digitalisation of the economy sits ambiguously in this picture: platforms are unsustainable on several planes, yet digital networks have been saluted as means for reconstructing socio-economic relations towards sustainability (as in the «sharing economy»), and to promote efficiency. To evaluate potentials and pitfalls of digital social innovation, we explore the case of a digital platform, called INDACO, born in the context of the Covid-19 from a public-private partnership in Trentino (Italy). We understand it as a case of ecosocial innovation (ESI), since it strives to develop solutions to social problems and environmental issues together. While initially the project strongly aligns with deep sustainability objectives, throughout its development the commercial targets and value priorities change, shifting its rationale from a relatively disruptive form of innovation to an e-commerce platform that tries to integrate into the mainstream digital market. We understand this as a case of «mission drift» and ask: what are the main dynamics, obstacles and enablers that shape INDACO’s development? Our analysis relies on extensive participant observation within the organisation, as well as interviews and focus groups. Our perspective draws on critical studies of social innovation and literature on sociotechnical transitions, in particular the multi-level perspective (MLP). We propose six «pillars» that might become a compass for the evaluation of ESI projects’ trajectories: time, narratives of change, constant flow of resources, networks, skills, embedding in local (eco)system. We end with a provisional evaluation of an ongoing experience, of the strengths and weaknesses of the study, and with general recommendations regarding ESI projects and research on them.