Appareil productif, territoire, dialogue social : pourquoi innover ?

This paper aims to show that the concept of social innovation cannot be reduced to a simple transposition in the « social » field of the innovation concept developed by the economic theory. It differs in two respects. First, because the concept of social innovation, in counterpart to the current dominant conception of innovation, aims to promote changes other than technological or commercial, focusing on social needs, solidarity and justice and expecting to generate well-being and to promote progress. Second, because social innovation is not implemented significantly through research and development means but rather through ways involving relational processes, interactions and initiatives ?from below?. Territory, specifically, has become a privileged instance where the social innovation can emerge from below. Supported by facts collected in Provence-Alpes-Côte d?Azur (France), the paper intends to improve the analysis of the innovative capacity of this dialogue by offering an outline of typology. JEL Codes: R11, R58, J52, J61