New Position Paper! The Social Value of Innovation – A Global Comparative Advantage for Europe

European policy rhetoric promotes the need to maintain a balance between
economic growth and the social value of innovation. But sometimes, the good intentions captured in the rhetoric are not realised in the implementation of policies. 

The position paper presents the constraints on policy design and implementation created by existing rigid frameworks that include metrics focussing only on the economic benefits of policymaking, and in so doing prevent realisation of the full social value.

EASSH President, Joe O'Hara, states:

This new EASSH position paper makes a compelling case that Europe must move decisively beyond narrow, economically driven definitions of innovation and instead recognise its broader social value – encompassing contributions to inclusion, sustainability, public well-being and democratic life. It challenges policymakers to adopt more expansive and human-centred metrics of success, showing that by doing so Europe can better address complex societal challenges while unlocking a distinctive and underused global advantage.

EASSH Director, Gabi Lombardo:

This paper calls for a shift toward human-centric innovation, supported by new metrics that go beyond current practices. European innovation already rests on a strong foundation of research and ethical reflection, with the dual aim of improving citizens’ lives and strengthening economic growth. EASSH advocates for more open and inclusive ways of assessing innovation across both European and national programmes.

Drawn from recent research in the social sciences and humanities (SSH), this paper demands a human-centric approach to innovation in EU funding.

Read more | Download the paper (.pdf)