Building a middle-range theory of Transformative Social Innovation; theoretical pitfalls and methodological responses

  • Alexander Haxeltine University of East Anglia
  • Bonno Pel
  • Julia Wittmayer
  • Adina Dumitru Universidad de Coruña
  • Rene Kemp
  • Flor Avelino

Abstract

This paper argues that there is currently a need for new theory on transformative social innovation that is able to provide empowering insights to practice, especially in terms of how social innovation interacts with transformative change processes. It identifies three ‘pitfalls’ that such theory-building needs to confront, and presents middle-range theory development, together with a focus on social relations and the processes of social innovation, as three elements of a theory-building strategy that responds to these pitfalls. In describing the implementation of this strategy in successive iterations between empirical case study research and integrative analysis, critical reflections are drawn on each of the three elements of the theory-building strategy. Taken together, these reflections underline the importance of maintaining a reflexive approach in developing new knowledge and theory on new social innovation.

 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir.17-1.5

Author Biography

Alexander Haxeltine, University of East Anglia
Senior Research Fellow

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Published
2017-12-23
How to Cite
Haxeltine, A., Pel, B., Wittmayer, J., Dumitru, A., Kemp, R., & Avelino, F. (2017). Building a middle-range theory of Transformative Social Innovation; theoretical pitfalls and methodological responses. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 2(1), 59-77. Retrieved from https://pub.sinnergiak.org/esir/article/view/51
Section
Research articles