The Development of Social Innovation in Poland under the Human Capital Programme 2007–2013

Abstract

On the one hand, human capital is an important factor of building an innovative economy, on the other – innovation affects the process of developing human capital. This is the case of social innovation that could mean a change in behavior by introducing new values, ideas, projects, activities, and these in turn allow solving social problems in a different way and produce positive results in the functioning of individuals and social groups. The policymakers play an important role in the process of creation and development of social innovations. These activities are present in a number of policy initiatives of the European Commission since the early 90s. Innovation was one of the most important aspects of the Lisbon agen-da, and remains a central element of the Europe 2020 strategy, although recognized in another context. The European Union has created a number of financial instruments to support innovative practices in relation to social issues. The most important support for social innovations, however, are the structural funds, especially the European Social Fund. In the framework of each operational programme, particular attention was paid to the promotion and mainstreaming of innovative activi-ties, which was recommended by the European Commission. Human Capital Programme was the only program cofinanced by ESF in Poland in the years 2007–2013. The aim of the article is to analyze innovation projects and implemented social innovations cofinanced by the European Social Fund under the OP Human Capital 2007–2013. For this pur-pose, a study was conducted primarily based on the database of the National Information System SIMIK 07–13 (as of 03/31/2015) and information of the National Supporting Institution for Hu-man Capital Operational Programme.