Les attributs de l'innovation sociale dans l'insertion par l'activité économique

What is the meaning of social innovation for Insertion by Economic Activity (IEA)? Presently, public policies are imposing a pattern of rationalization in this sector. Prescribed standards are affecting the specific capacities and strategies of private operators, Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs), due to the growing effect of public markets and employment activation patterns. IEA is thus characterized by a hybrid governance system, with corporative, competitive or partnership-based governance principles, respectively related to three types of economic rationales: protecting, market and cooperative economies. In this problematic context, we propose a study of the typical features of social innovation, in order to highlight the favorable conditions and obstacles in the process of creating social resources. Social innovation produces, through collective learning, « activity standards». However, its institutionalization leads to conflicts between prescribed standards and « activity standards » which largely explain the existence of institutional arrangements materializing by micro-institutions. JEL Codes: A13, A14