Bridging management and design assessment: Exploring social innovation evaluation in Italian SMEs

This paper discusses the function of design as a connecting factor among different fields of knowledge, with a specific focus on evaluating social innovation in small and medium enterprises in Italy. The doctoral research aims to comprehend how an approach centered on design can facilitate changes within organizations, encourage sustainability, and enhance business competitiveness for SMEs. Through the integration of design with management, sustainability, and social sciences, the study analyzes current assessment methods and seeks to establish strategies based on design principles such as participatory design. It emphasizes the significance of design in driving social innovation and underscores the value of interdisciplinary cooperation in tackling modern business challenges. This paper emphasizes how design has the potential to transform practices towards more socially responsible and sustainable business approaches within the Italian business sector.