Strenthening social innovation in Europe : journey to effective assessment and metrics

Social innovation is by essence difficult to measure as it cuts across several sectors such as health, education, inclusion, urban regeneration, rural development, transport, energy or environment. All benefits are therefore difficult to aggregate beyond the level of direct recipients of those innovative products, services or models. Yet the report addresses this gap and reviews several methodologies used in different contexts to assess results of social innovation. It finally highlights the need not only to measure but also to disseminate further the benefits of social innovation, if this is to become a priority in Europe and calls for more support.