Social innovation labs – instrumente de schimbare socială[Social innovation labs – instruments of social change]

In an era in which society is increasingly based on knowledge and digital technologies have become indispensable to day-to-day activities, social change becomes a problem whose solving can no longer wait for postponement. Objectives: This paper aims to provide a framework for the development of social innovation labs as tools of social change, social innovation bringing innumerable benefits to individuals' lives. Preliminary studies: The paper presents a part of the specialized literature focusing on the concept of social innovation, focusing on social innovation laboratories. Approach: The methodology used for carrying out the research is bibliographic - opting for studying the works of the specialists in the field, both from Romania and abroad, as well as empirical - by building a case study on examples of good practices regarding these living labs. Results: Through social innovation labs, individuals form connections with each other, mobilizing themselves to achieve a common goal - to create a better future. Value: Research shows that social innovation laboratories behave like normal laboratories, so they invent and experiment in finding solutions to the challenges of today's world. Often they generate promising solutions. However, for these solutions to be successful, it must not be forgotten that the essential element is the human component. Therefore, there must be taken into account the capacity and willingness of individuals to collaborate, not only by electronic means, but also by the traditional methods of participation in the process of social change through innovation.