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Social innovation and Nelson’s evolutionary legacy on social technologies

Author

Listed:
  • Ernesto Solano

    (Universidad de Alcalá, Departament of Economics and Business)

  • Jorge Gallego

    (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Department of Business Organization and GIPTIC)

  • Luis Rubalcaba

    (Universidad de Alcalá, Departament of Economics and Business)

Abstract

This paper examines the relevance of Richard R. Nelson’s evolutionary economics for advancing the study of social innovation. While Nelson did not explicitly formulate a theory of social innovation, his concepts of social technologies, institutional dynamics, and collective learning offer a robust framework for understanding innovation as a collaborative, participatory, and context-dependent process. By situating innovation within broader institutional and societal contexts, Nelson’s approach shifts attention from isolated technical advances to the collective routines and governance arrangements that sustain systemic change. The analysis highlights how social technologies—standardized ways of organizing cooperation, decision-making, and value co-creation—interact with physical technologies to shape both economic and social outcomes. The paper explores how Nelson’s theoretical legacy provides important analytical tools for conceptualizing social innovation as a transformative process, illuminating how inclusive collaboration and institutional adaptation are central to addressing contemporary societal challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Ernesto Solano & Jorge Gallego & Luis Rubalcaba, 2026. "Social innovation and Nelson’s evolutionary legacy on social technologies," Economia e Politica Industriale: Journal of Industrial and Business Economics, Springer;Associazione Amici di Economia e Politica Industriale, vol. 53(1), pages 23-34, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:epolin:v:53:y:2026:i:1:d:10.1007_s40812-025-00376-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s40812-025-00376-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nelson, Richard R. & Sampat, Bhaven N., 2001. "Making sense of institutions as a factor shaping economic performance," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 44(1), pages 31-54, January.
    2. Tânia Martins & Alexandra Braga & Marisa R. Ferreira & Vítor Braga, 2022. "Diving into Social Innovation: A Bibliometric Analysis," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-18, April.
    3. van der Have, Robert P. & Rubalcaba, Luis, 2016. "Social innovation research: An emerging area of innovation studies?," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(9), pages 1923-1935.
    4. Matthias Menter, 2024. "From technological to social innovation: toward a mission-reorientation of entrepreneurial universities," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 49(1), pages 104-118, February.
    5. Cajaiba-Santana, Giovany, 2014. "Social innovation: Moving the field forward. A conceptual framework," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 42-51.
    6. Nelson, Richard R., 2008. "What enables rapid economic progress: What are the needed institutions," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 1-11, February.
    7. Pol, Eduardo & Ville, Simon, 2009. "Social innovation: Buzz word or enduring term?," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 38(6), pages 878-885, December.
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