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VIII Qualitative analysis of social innovation efforts in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County
(Veresné Somosi, M. – Varga, Krisztina)
Based on the antecedents in the literature (Nemes and Varga, 2015; Katonáné Kovács et al., 2016; Bund et al. 2015, Kleverbeck et al., 2019), it is assumed that the main phases in the social innovation efforts, and its relationship with social learning are identifiable as a result of a study of the cases disclosed in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County, and by their documentation as good practices.
This chapter identifies local gap-closing opportunities that stem from social innovation efforts and may serve as a model for other disadvantaged areas in the two counties . The method of participatory action research is extremely important based on the specificity of the topic and the peculiar features of the analysed region. The analysed solutions were recorded in the form of a case study, following a structured analysis of each initiative. We recorded the analysed cases on the basis of a set of criteria defined during the analysis, and in this form they help the comparability and the definition of the process elements. The PAR methods were supplemented with interviews based on an inductive logic, and the adaptive process model of social innovation was defined with their help.
In this chapter, in addition to studying the emphatic role played by the local actors and networks, a description is given of the process of social innovation, the framework conditions for systemic operation, and the social needs, potentials and obstacles that, in our opinion, determine social innovation aspirations in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County.
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handwritten pages), recorded the interviews (158 interviews, nearly 230 hours of audio material), and took more than 2000 photographs. We used specific, literal quotations and documented the changes created during each action (planned and genuine processes). During this documentation, we made and analysed video recordings, audio recordings, and materials (invitations and summary reports) documenting various kinds of group work.
One of the key players in the implementation of the analysed good practices is the local government. The complexity of the social innovation process and the diversity of measurement framework conditions require government support, and so government bodies are constant actors in social innovation processes (Kolk and Lenfant, 2015). Following a review of the literature, it can be established that local governments are often initiators and mobilisers of sustainable social innovation efforts (Grabow and Schneider, 2013; Bund et al., 2015; Varga, 2017; Tóthné Kiss and Varga, 2017; Oosterlynck et al., 2020).
In line with the qualitative methodology, the issue of sample selection needs to be analysed from a theoretical point of view during the research. The aim of the study is to define a model of the social innovation process, and the following considerations were taken into account to this end (Miles and Huberman, 1994; Csedő, 2006):
- maximum difference (different cases filter out common patterns), - homogeneity (in the interest of focusing and streamlining), - critical case (for logical generalisation),
- confirmatory and rebuttal cases (clarification and the identification of exceptions),
- typical cases (highlighting usual ones),
- expediently grouped cases (sub-groups, comparison).
In the framework of semi-structured and unstructured interviews, during the research the members and leaders of various groups (mayor, clerk, NGO leaders, church leaders, and leaders of enterprises operating in localities) were interviewed.
During the research, we visited the analysed localities at least once and carried out field research. In addition to the interviews, we also analysed each endeavour as observers of the forums and analysts of the related documents. Following Bodorkós’s (2010) research guidelines, at the end of each interview, we asked the respondents to recommend another respondent and/or an event for each stakeholder where we could participate as observers to follow the generation of social aspirations. In the first part of the interview, we asked our interlocutors to formulate the concept of social innovation in their own words. After recording the answers, we continued the investigation with the following groups of questions:
- mapping general information on the localities and/or organisations, - presentation of the implemented social innovations,
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- outlines of the planned social innovation efforts,
- describing successes and obstacles, and drawing lessons, - assessment of regional co-operation (and their opportunities).
To answer the research questions, we analysed our notes taken at the events, the interview summaries, written summaries of the forums, our personal notes, and audio and video materials from each forum. We paid special attention to repetitive elements, individual opinions and possible contradictions.
Based on the interviews, we could identify the relations and mergers within the region, and the (mainly political) factors that make co-operation difficult or impossible. We identified the factors that can be seen as the main challenges in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg counties (educational inequalities, unemployment, health and housing problems), and the areas where efforts could be made based on the contribution of social innovation to well-being.
Social innovation efforts focus on the following areas:
- reinforcing attachment to the locality - support for disadvantaged groups, - supporting local economy development, - local peculiarities,
- public employment practices.
Within the framework of the research, we identified 15 good practices (Table 42).
Based on a comprehensive analysis of the practices, it can be established that in the case of social innovation, innovators at the localities and the adaptation of aspirations operating in other localities have a decisive role. Based on the interviews, case studies were made. As a method, case studies constitute an appropriate form of documentation for the presentation of good practices with different content, structure and function. Based on the analysis, it can be established that the social innovation efforts made during the study can also be adapted to other localities. The analysis of each case allowed for a complex presentation of the given practice, creating an opportunity for adaptation, sustainable operation and effective implementation. The basic aim of good practices is to identify the tools and methods used for achieving the set goals more effectively than the previously known methods. Novel and constructive approaches and techniques that can be proven or have already proved to contribute to the improvement of the quality standard of the given locality and serve as an example that can be adopted by other localities.
The study of the social innovation processes of the region clearly showed that the successful implementation of each endeavour is inconceivable without the local population’s proactive participation. The fundamental goal of the initiatives is to improve the standard of living, and to meet the needs of the community through innovative collaborations, which require an analysis of the local population’s
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attitude and conscious participation in local decisions. In addition to the population’s participation in decisions, we also took part in the development processes not merely as observers, but also in close co-operation with the participants of the research. In relation to this, in close co-operation with local governments and civil society organisations, we started to develop action plans to achieve the vision, to implement the actions, and to reflect on the planning process and actions.
In contrast to the traditional researcher attitude and tasks, we carried out pre-defined research tasks, and planned and implemented social innovation initiatives together with the people and organisations involved in the research. The joint work took place mainly in the framework of discussions, conciliation forums and workshops.
Table 42 1Case study-based examination of good practices identified in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County (B.-A.-Z.) and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County (Sz.-Sz.-B.)
in Hungary6 Strengthening
attachment to the locality
Support for disadvantaged
groups
Supporting local economy development
Local peculiarities
Public employment
practices
Civilek Háza [House of Civilians]
(Sz.-Sz.-B.)
Kamasz Tanya [Teenagers’
Retreat]
(Sz.-Sz.-B.)
Szimbiózis Alapítvány [Symbiosis Foundation]
(B.-A.-Z.)
Zöld Kosár Közösség [Green
Basket Community]
(B.-A.-Z.)
Zöld Város [Green Town]
(Sz.-Sz.-B.)
Helyi Hősök [Local Heroes]
(Sz.-Sz.-B.)
Jó Kezdet [Good Start]
(Sz.-Sz.-B.)
Dragon RaceandICE
(Sz.-Sz.-B.)
Computer Training Centre
(Sz.-Sz.-B.)
Bioszentandrás (B.-A.-Z.)
Establishing self-sufficiency in the village Szemere
(B.-A.-Z.)
Szivárvány Szociális Szövetkezet [Rainbow Social
Co-operative]
(B.-A.-Z.)
Rental housing project (Sz.-Sz.-B.)
„Together, for each other, for the locality!”
(Sz.-Sz.-B.)
Value creating public work
(Sz.-Sz.-B.) Source: Authors’ own elaboration
6 The individual good practices were analysed on the basis of the following structure (Szabó-Nagy, 2014):
I. General information (name/address, account manager, purpose, target group, target region, required human resources, financing and required infrastructure),
II. Complex description of the practice (detailed presentation, implementation process, results achieved so far, expected results, any emerging barriers, problems and lessons),
III. Why is it a good practice? (Bottom-up approach, co-operation, networking, publicity, sustainability, transferability).
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One of the key tasks of the research is to define the considerations that are necessary for the successful involvement of innovators. Social innovation is a necessary step to improve development and competitiveness, and the role of innovators is emphasised.
Innovators are members of the local community, or society at large, who are aware of the community’s needs determined by societal challenges and meet them using new or innovative solutions. In the case of lagging regions – such as certain localities of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg counties – it is absolutely necessary to introduce novel co-operations, identify and accurately satisfy local needs, involve citizens in local decisions and analyse the effects of social innovation efforts at raising the living standards.