Exploring the role of ICT-enabled social innovation to support the modernisation of EU social protection systems : findings and insights from analysis of case studies in fourteen Member States

This report presents the results of the analysis of case studies on how ICT-enabled social innovations promoting social investment can contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems in the EU. The case studies are drawn from 14 different Member States and address diverse social services and policy domains. Evidence from the analysis points out to the strong potential of using new approaches based on ICT-enabled social innovation to support public authorities, at various governance levels, in their efforts to improve the effectiveness and impact of social services delivery mechanisms and outreach. The analysis makes a first attempt to assess the relationship between different typologies of ICT-enabled social innovation and the broader social protection system in which they are embedded in. The results of the cross-analysis of case studies allowed defining a set of policy implications that can help policy makers to drive social change. Among many, two in particular might be considered especially relevant in order to take full advantage of ICT-enabled social innovation potential: the simplification of procedures through an open-government approach and the use of European Structural and Investment Funds to further finance ICT-based developments in the social sector.