Research summary
Social innovation is getting a lot of attention these days, and has the potential to address problems that the state and market can no longer solve. As Canada Research Chair in Social Innovation and Territorial Development, Dr. Marco Alberio is working on a social innovation analytical framework that focuses on small- and medium-sized cities and rural areas with the aim of ensuring they remain dynamic.
To that end, Alberio and his research team are looking at how smaller cities and towns can retain, integrate and engage young people and newcomers. They are also examining the influence of aging. Their work will produce new knowledge about how social innovation influences the development of non-metropolitan regions, and will mobilize those involved through a participatory process.