Political Change through Social Innovation: A Debate

This book asks why socially innovative initiatives, including attempts to rejuvenate democracy by introducing new modes of participation, are not leading to a democratization of the State or overcoming the gap between political leaders and people. It offers a vivid and thought-provoking conversation on why we are at such an impasse and explores concrete possibilities for change.

Offering insights on the failures of modern democracies from three leading voices of contemporary social science, the book interrogates the possibilities of progressive socio-political agendas, strategies, and movements seeking to overcome these failures. It highlights examples of bottom-linked forms of governance that provide signs of positive change and focuses on the essential role that progressive institutions play in enabling socio-political transformation. It also analyses how processes of self-emancipation driven by social innovation and political mobilization movements represent the most promising form of political engagement today.

Students and scholars of social innovation and governance will find this to be an invigorating read. It will also be helpful to politicians and government officials seeking to understand, respond to, and explore efforts towards democratizing political change.

Frank Moulaert, Emeritus Professor of Spatial Planning, KU Leuven, Belgium, Bob Jessop, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, Lancaster University, Erik Swyngedouw, Professor of Geography, School of Environment, Education and Development, University of Manchester, UK, Liana Simmons, Political Scientist, Food Activist, Italy and Pieter Van den Broeck, Professor of Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development, P&D Research Unit, Department of Architecture, KU Leuven, Belgium