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Social innovations for sustainable development in the Croatian context: current state and future potentials

The field of social innovation is broad and varied and it can be argued that is social a practice-led field (Caulier-Grice et al., 2012.) They are often bottom-up, geographically dispersed, local and short in duration (Caulier-Grice, et al., 2012., Brandsen, 2016). The process from development to sustainability is complex and largely depends on different types of support and rootedness in the local context. From Croatian experience and understanding of the development of social innovation, it can be seen that social innovation is a neglected topic, the concept unknown in the creation and implementation of public policy. However, the third sector is still recognized as a space for discussion on social innovations and as a new perspective for addressing social risks in innovative ways. Volunteer work, trust, and commitment to committed cooperation are the source of Croatian social innovations (Bežovan, et al., 2016 ; Baturina, 2016). This paper seeks to explore the field of social innovations for sustainable development in the Croatian context. Paper will be based on the secondary research. Party results from the qualitative empirical research of two EU PF7 projects (WILCO-Welfare innovations at the local level in favor of Cohesion and TSI-Third Sector Impact) will be used. Paper will explore social innovation environment in Croatia, as well as key strategic documents and policies related to sustainable development. We will also include examples of good practice that will illustrate in what aspects the third sector can make social innovations that contribute to the sustainable development of Croatia. Particular attention will be given to identifying the factors that make these innovations successful in terms of human, financial and social capital and their impact on the community. The conclusion would be orientated towards assessing the potential of social innovations for fostering sustainable development in Croatia as well as challenges to their bigger socio-economic impact.

social innovations, third sector, sustainable development, social impact

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