The Role of Social Innovation in Green Cities Development

• DOI: 10.18690/um.fov.3.2023.63
• Publication Date: 2023-05-01T03:34:41Z
• Authors: Lea Perinić; Ana Perić Hadžić; Mirjana Kovačić; Norberto Santos
• Keywords: 9. Industry and infrastructure; 13. Climate action; 11. Sustainability; 1. No poverty; social innovation, green cities, citizens, development; 7. Clean energy; 12. Responsible consumption

This paper will highlight the importance of social innovation in developing green cities. In the last couple of years, we have stated a growing interest in social innovation on the EU level from researchers, policymakers, and local municipalities. The current social-economic model is not sustainable, which became even more evident during the big financial crisis (such as 2008 and 2020). Consequently, more focus is being placed on societal challenges and the need to develop new innovative solutions to address them. Additionally, municipal leaders are confronted with the global climate crisis and a need to lead the transition towards carbon neutral economy and promote green everyday practices. Social innovations in green city development can range from new green market models and institutional support to developing appropriate innovation culture, new governance models, increasing citizens’ participation and cooperation in green services, community initiatives, social incentives, green nudges, and similar. The authors research how social innovations can offer new ideas (products, services, business models) that would contribute to the sustainability and resilience of urban communities. The research results show that people need to build up an innovation culture that will foster the development of social innovation design and implementation.