ICT-enabled social innovation in support of the implementation of the social investment package : mapping and analysis of ICT-enabled social innovation initiatives promoting social investment in integrated approaches to the provision of social services: IESI Knowledge Map 2015

This report presents the analysis of the 2015 Mapping of the project 'ICT-enabled Social Innovation to support the Implementation of the Social Investment Package' (IESI). It provides an enriched picture of the existing knowledge base and evidence of how ICT-enabled social innovation initiatives that promote social investment through integrated approaches to social services delivery can contribute to the policy objectives of the EU Social Investment Package (SIP). The SIP, in turn, supports the EU 2020 strategy goals in terms of inclusive growth and employment. After introducing the policy and research background, the scope of the IESI research and the objectives of the 2015 mapping, the report provides an overview of the methodology followed for building the IESI inventory of ICT-enabled social innovation initiatives through a structured dynamic database and by conducting the mapping and analysis of a selected sample of 210 initiatives. In doing so it discusses the degree of deployment of ICT-enabled social innovations that promote social investment through integrated approaches to social services provision, providing insight into the levels and types of deployment achieved. Further, the IESI conceptual framework which underpins the research and which has been used to guide the mapping and analysis of initiatives is discussed. Additional dimensions that would enhance the framework itself are proposed. Evolving theoretical approaches are taken into account in order to better explain the implications of ICT-enabled social innovation initiatives for social policy reforms. This is followed by an overview of the consolidated results of the analysis of the initiatives collected as part of the IESI mapping exercise in 2014 and 2015. The analysis presents the IESI Knowledge Map 2015, which aims to provide a better understanding of the main characteristics and patterns of the initiatives identified. Reference is also made to the different welfare systems and social services delivery models which characterise various EU countries in order to contextualise the potential role played by ICT-enabled social innovation to promote social investment. The findings of specific thematic analyses conducted on a set of selected topics are then presented: 1) the role of social enterprise-driven ICT-enabled social innovation initiatives that support social services delivery; and the implications of ICT-enabled social innovation that promote social investment to support: 2) active inclusion of young people; and 3) active and healthy ageing and long-term care for older people, particularly as regards prevention, health promotion and rehabilitation. Finally, conclusions deriving from the analysis of the mapping of the contribution made by ICT-enabled social innovation initiatives are outlined. This is complemented by an analysis of the gaps identified; the limitations of the current mapping exercise and recommendations for future research, as well as implications and possible directions for policy.