engleski

Social innovation in local welfare system: a case of Zagreb

This paper analyses recent developments of social innovations in the city of Zagreb, being the largest and the most developed city in Croatia. Specifically, the paper deals with the characteristics of development of social innovations in Zagreb, both in terms of concept development, as well as development of practice – growth in innovative solutions, their up scaling and the embeddedness in the broader local welfare system. In its first part, the paper addresses the local context for social innovations, i.e. the political, administrative and socio-cultural environment of the city of Zagreb. In general, social policy in Zagreb is often referred to as being comprehensive and generous, comprised of a set of diverse social assistance measures which cover a wide range of groups of beneficiaries, whereas social services can be regarded as being of secondary importance. Having in mind population coverage and the levels of social rights, it can be said that Zagreb serves as a ‘local welfare state’. Policy processes and outcomes are considerably marked by populism, clientnelism, but also by a broad consensus of different stakeholders about underlying values of social policy in Zagreb, which reflect the assumed responsibility of the (local) ‘state’ for the citizens’ welfare. This has, however, been increasingly put in question in recent years marked by the socio-economic crisis. In its second part, the paper analyses in greater detail particular social innovations recognized in Zagreb, in the policy area of employment, childcare and housing, their characteristics, sustainability, policy support and the impact on the broader welfare system. Social innovations can be defined as new ideas (products, services and models) that simultaneously meet social needs (more effectively than alternatives) and create new social relationships or collaborations. In other words they are innovations that are not only good for society but also enhance society’s capacity to act. Presented case studies of innovations enable some preliminary conclusions about preconditions for establishing of social innovations and their sustainability in the context of Zagreb´s welfare system. The first one deals with the problem of recognition and visibility of social innovations by different stakeholders. Concept of social innovations, its meaning and understanding is a relatively new approach for all stakeholders. Social innovations as a driver of change and further development are poorly recognized among stakeholders. The concept has been dominantly introduced through the process of Europeanization, a sort of top- down approach in modernization of the Croatian social policy. Further, poor coordination between different city departments and the lack of evaluation hinders the recognition of innovative practices in social policy by the city officials. However, city administration demonstrates some openness for new initiatives and new ideas. This is particularly true in their cooperation with civil society and building partnerships. On the other hand, civil society, particularly citizens who mobilize around their shared social problems, show the capacities for innovative solutions and can serve as a strong citizens’ voice with a growing impact on the local welfare system. Capacities of professional groups addressing new developmental issues are also seen as a key driver of future social innovations.

social innovations; local welfare systems; civil society; Zagreb

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