Wdrażanie innowacji społecznych przez wiejskie organizacje pozarządowe i lokalne grupy działania
The Implementation of Social Innovations by Rural NGOs and Local Action Groups

Author(s): Katarzyna Zajda
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Social Theory, Rural and urban sociology
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Keywords: non-govermental organisations; local action groups; rural areas; social innovations; enabling factors
Summary/Abstract: The issue of implementing social innovations arouses the interest of researchers and practitioners from around the world. However, it has rarely been undertaken in Poland, especially in the context of the specificity of rural areas and organisations such as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local action groups (LAGs), which are important for solving the social problems of its inhabitants. The subject of consideration in this monograph revolves around the activities of NGOs and LAGs focused on the implementation of social innovations defined as changes in the area of solving social problems, which consist of the emergence of unusual social practices that are alternative to those prevailing in a given area (i.e. in the area of a rural commune or territorial partnership). The aims of this analysis were as follows: First, to determine the specificity of social innovations implemented in rural communes (gminas) by NGOs and LAGs. Second, to identify factors enabing the implementation of these innovations from variables like cooperation with various local organisations and institutions and those located outside the area of a given rural commune (or territorial partnership) and involvement of residents in solving social problems affecting them. In the case of NGOs, amongst these enabling factors, the length of their activities and the level of human and financial resources at their disposal were also considered. The effects of qualitative and quantitative analyses were presented. The methods of case study and survey were used. Conclusions of the study have been drawn on the basis of the results regarding the specifics of the implementation of social innovations by rural NGOs and LAGs. Thus, recommendations for supporting the stimulation of this process have also been made.

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