Iterative process - from verification to validation
The Social Innovation (SI) process is an iterative process using several types of dialogs, taking turns between verification (are we doing things right?) and validation (are we doing the right things?). Especially this last question is not a query that is addressed often or naturally. It asks for a type of dialogue in which the focus is not so much on what we do or how we do it but on why we do it: what is it we value? In every step of the SI process, these values will be present and addressed. Within the implementation process for example, when working on mutual understanding, values are actively being exchanged. However, it is not until the reflection process that these values will be explicated the most and common ground is actively pursued. Within the democratic and strategic process, this shared meaning should then be captured in the more explicit parts of the assessment framework.
To be clear, ST does not state that validation is more important than verification. Verification is essential to make sure that what we agreed upon as being of importance is also executed in a way which is conform our agreements. However, currently we seem to focus too much on verification, losing sight of what it was we actually wanted to achieve. This for example is often seen when new legislation is being introduced and is translated into rules and regulations. Protocols, administrative and legal requirements sometimes get so complicated that they in the end actually counteract the initial goals of the legislation. That is why ST aims at addressing both questions: what do we believe are the right things to do and how can we do these things in the right way?
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