How to deal with an essentially contested concept on the field? Sampling social innovation using a consensus-based method

How to select cases for multi-case analysis in social innovation research? This article addresses the practical issue of sampling units of analysis for further in-depth study. This is a challenging methodological question... [ view full abstract ]

How to select cases for multi-case analysis in social innovation research? This article addresses the practical issue of sampling units of analysis for further in-depth study. This is a challenging methodological question since one recognizes the essentially contested character of the concept. Noticeably, the concept of social innovation generates endless disputes about its proper use. Theory on social innovation is controversial and fragmented, databases are generally not available, and pragmatism has its limits. Then, conventional methods of sampling appear inadequate. As an alternative, we propose to adapt a consensus-based method in order to identify a pool of cases, sort them out and finally establish a sample. Our approach is fundamentally inductive and focuses on experts’ perceptions of what is socially innovative. We illustrate by looking at a pluridisciplinary research project on social innovation in domiciliary eldercare developed in partnership with local stakeholders (umbrella organisations of non-profit providers).