SOCIAL INNOVATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF MODERNIZATION

This paper deals with the subject of social innovations and their application in social practice. It attempts to conceptualize social innovations within theories on the modernization of the society. It is based on a sociological understanding of social innovation as a source of social change and modernization as an example of social change. The importance of social innovations rises with the high dynamism of changes in late modern society, and with the growth of its structural and cultural differentiation, which diversifies, differentiates, individualizes man's social world. Social context has influenced a modified understanding of innovation not only as a tool and source of economic productivity and competitiveness, but also as a potential tool for achieving social goals and social cohesion in society. The social dimension puts more significance on the positions and roles of social actors as vehicles of innovation. The solution to social problems and increasing the ability of social actors to participate in the solution process has become an important condition for sustainable economic growth. The author defines criteria of social innovation and conditions for their practical application.