SOCIAL CLUSTERS – OPEN SPACE FOR SOCIAL INNOVATIONS DEVELOPMENT

The aim of this article was to show the characteristics of the social clusters role in
solving social problems, includeing the development of social innovations, which can meet
nowadays and futire social needs. The article is based on the results of theoretical research
and desk research. It consists of three parts, describing the essence of social clusters,
selected experiences and good practices of NGOs encouraging social cluster initiatives in
Poland and the process of co-creation of social innovation among social clusters. This type
of clusters is inspired by the model of corporate (business) clusters and its concept is still
developing. It can be defined as the concentration of entities in a given space, representing
non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses, universities and public administration,
that work together to achieve common social goals. The authors emphasize that social
clusters provide excellent conditions for the development of social innovation. They indicate
that those conditions depend on a number of factors, including mutual, formal and informal
relationships based on trust and commitment among cluster partners. Furthermore, they
admit that despite the importance of social clusters for the social economy, especially in the
creation and diffusion of social innovation, Poland still lacks a systemic approach to the
promotion and development of such structures.

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