A Pragmatic Methodology for Horizon Scanning of Social Innovations Linked to Inclusive Transformation of Food System: A Case of Chitwan District, Nepal

Abstract

A study on social innovation (SI) was done during January to December, 2023 in Chitwan district of Nepal. By reviewing existing measurement methods of SI, this study aimed to achieve clarity in conceptual understanding of social innovation at an individual level. Findings could lay the foundation for identifying social innovation at grassroots level based on actual attitude of farmers on social innovation. Under this context the main objective of this research was set to develop rational methodology for horizon scanning of social innovation at individual level. It consisted of two-step process namely; gathering of innovative activities from the study area and setting criteria for SI. Sixty (60) innovative activities were randomly explored with the discussion of the district and municipal officers of agriculture in the study area. From factor analysis; to refine the constructs in attitude scale of social innovators, thirteen items were excluded from the social innovation tendency scale due to their adverse impact on the factor structure, resulting in most determining selection criteria (11-item-scale). Based on 11 item scale; Half of the potential SIs (50%) exhibited the full characteristics of readiness towards challenges, solution and social value creation. Thus, the developed scale would be useful for selection in a specific area that meets minimum potential to become social innovation (SI).