A framework for social innovation evaluation at macro level using Meta synthesis method

Social innovations are considered as the new solutions which meet social needs simultaneously, which results in establishing the new or improved relationships and better use of facilities and resources. Using indicators to capture social innovation and evaluate the expected effects of social innovation plans provide important tools for development. This research is applied in terms of purpose in which Meta-Synthesis approach is used.In this study, 1215 related articles and researches conducted between 2000 and 2019 were selected from the Web of Science and Scopus scientific databases and Google search engine. Finally, 35 articles were evaluated for the purpose of the study using the meta-synthesis method and selection criteria. This research is qualitative and is conducted with the aim of exploring the dimensions and components of a framework for evaluating social innovations at macro-level. The results of the research showed 3 categories (Social, Economic, and environmental) based on TBL approach, 16 concepts and 56 codes. Experts endorsed the kappa index of 0.664. The findings of this study can be used to estimate the value of social innovations at macro-level.