Abstract
This chapter explores the roots and developments of social innovation through comparative historical case studies. Specifically, this chapter introduces a theoretical and methodological framework for this historical discussion. It then goes on to discuss trends observed from a preliminary analysis of several historical cases of social innovation and offers a more detailed discussion of one specific case — the emergence of the intelligence test. This research contributes findings around three key trends and dynamics: how new ideas shift the intellectual landscape and create the space for novel combinations; the complimentary and overlapping efforts of ‘poets’, ‘debaters’ and ‘designers’ (different roles for agents); and the importance of agents functioning at both the niche and landscape level.
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© 2015 Katharine McGowan and Frances Westley
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McGowan, K., Westley, F. (2015). At the Root of Change: The History of Social Innovation. In: Nicholls, A., Simon, J., Gabriel, M. (eds) New Frontiers in Social Innovation Research. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137506801_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137506801_3
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