Potencjał innowacyjny Centrów Integracji Społecznej w Polsce: między aktywną integracją a standaryzacją regionalną
Innovative Potential of Social Integration Centres in Poland: Between Active Integration and Regional Standardisation

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the article is to analyse the innovative potential of Social Integration Centres (SICs) in Poland, with particular emphasis on the process of standardising reintegration services in the Lubusz Voivodeship. The research thesis assumes that the innovativeness of SICs has a structural, methodological, and institutional character, and that its sustainability depends on the effective combination of flexibility in reintegration practice with the standardisation of service quality. The normative foundation of the analysis is the model of active integration, based on participant activation, institutional partnership, individualisation of support, a holistic approach, and effectiveness-oriented intervention, which is identified as the axiological core of the innovative potential of SICs. The article adopts a theoretical and analytical perspective grounded in social policy theory, social economy research, and social innovation studies. The analysis develops a multi-level model of innovative potential encompassing normative, institutional, organisational, and systemic dimensions. It demonstrates that SICs, as hybrid structures combining social and economic functions, generate both significant adaptive capacity and tensions resulting from managerialisation and performance-based governance in public services. The regional standardisation process in the Lubusz Voivodeship is interpreted as a phase of institutionalising innovation, strengthening professionalisation while requiring a balance between formalisation and operational flexibility. The findings indicate that the sustainability of innovative capacity within SICs depends on maintaining equilibrium between the four analytical levels and on their ability to adapt to ongoing socio-economic transformations.

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