Methodological guidelines for batch 2

As part of the TRANSIT project, an embedded case study approach is used to ground and test the emerging middle-range theory on transformative social innovation (TSI). This approach combines both qualitative, in-depth case-study analysis, as well as quali-quantitative comparative metaanalysis. In WP4, the focus is on grounding the theory through in-depth case study work. The aim of the in-depth embedded case studies is to develop knowledge about the emergence of social innovation and social innovation initiatives/networks as well as TSI-agency and TSI-dynamics.

This deliverable has two purposes. Firstly, it provides all WP4-researchers with an outlook for the remaining time of WP4, which officially ends with a synthesis report (D4.4) in spring 2016. The overall set-up and work on this final deliverable is therefore also introduced here. Secondly, it details the methodological guidelines for the second batch of in-depth case studies of the TRANSIT project and as such guides the empirical work of case researchers and case study coordinators. In doing so, it seeks to ensure homogeneity for the sake of comparison, whilst indicating the desirability of mixed research techniques and leaving researchers the space to follow up on phenomena and developments which are specific to their case. Next to guiding the actual fieldwork period, these methodological guidelines also provide an outline for the case study reports.

These guidelines outline:
i. Practical issues with regard to responsibilities, timeline, communication, and envisaged outputs for every TRANSIT researcher for WP4 as a whole and for the empirical fieldwork in particular (section 2);
ii. TRANSIT case study approach, including the focus of our research, research methods and analysis, research principles and the depth of our research (section 3);
iii. A cognitive map and the overall empirical research questions (section 4);
iv. Outline and structure for case study report (section 5).

The remaining two sections of this introduction describe the fit of these methodological guidelines with the emerging TRANSIT research design (see section 1.1) and the lessons learned and changes in comparison with the guidelines for batch 1 case studies (Jørgensen et al. 2014 – D4.1) (see section 1.2). [Extract from Introduction].

Citation

Wittmayer, J. M., Avelino, F., Dorland, J., Pel, B. and Jørgensen, M. S. (2015) Methodological guidelines batch 2 : TRANSIT deliverable 4.3, TRANSIT: EU SSH.2013.3.2-1 Grant agreement no: 613169.