@article{Kaletka_Schröder_2017, title={A Global Mapping of Social Innovations: Challenges of a Theory Driven Methodology}, volume={2}, url={https://pub.sinnergiak.org/esir/article/view/50}, abstractNote={<p>The article discusses and analyses challenges, constraints and prospects of a theory driven empirical research methodology in the thematic field of Social Innovation. Based on the experiences made while conducting a global mapping of social innovation initiatives, it reflects challenges such as the different<br />understandings and definitions of the research field and contexts related to different policy and world regions. Starting with the approach of the EU funded international project SI-DRIVE, the challenges of theory development and its methodological operationalisation and limitations in an iterative improvement by sequential empirical mappings are discussed - combining quantitative and qualitative research and results for proving and elaborating the theoretical frame (building blocks of a Social Innovation Theory). Empirical evidence shows that the theoretical development of such a ubiquitous phenomenon needs an iterative interrelation of theory and empiricism and a multi-method approach, giving leeway for the whole variety of social innovations by simultaneously developing a common understanding and concept of Social Innovation.</p><p> </p><p>DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir.17-1.6">https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir.17-1.6</a></p&gt;}, number={1}, journal={European Public & Social Innovation Review}, author={Kaletka, Christoph and Schröder, Antonius}, year={2017}, month={Dec.}, pages={78-92} }