Promuovere social innovation attraverso la definizione partecipata dei bisogni di salute

Although the success of social innovation relies on civic participation and involvement in a vast array of interests, it is far from clear under what conditions this engagement is capable to impact positively on constituent dimensions of social innovation. In line with international literature we identify these dimensions in the content dimension, related to the satisfaction of unmet needs, in the process dimension, as changes in social relations especially with regard to governance, and, finally, in the empowerment dimension, linked to the increase in the socio-political capability and access to resources. The article suggests an interpretation of citizens' engagement as a driver of social innovation in the broader contest of network governance. This approach allows us to identify a number of structural elements that are able to make participation a growth driver for social innovation, and that are linked to the logic of consequences and the logic of appropriateness. [Publishers' text].