Digital Social Innovation: A Framework and an Agenda for Platform Design.

This research aims to develop an appropriate understanding of Digital Social Innovation (DSI) which may be embodied into the design of effective digital social platforms. It also presents a framework illustrating key concepts and their connections, and proposes a future research agenda with main questions and methods for further investigation. The study employs mixed-method techniques as its research approach. It gathers and analyses 27 key articles published between 2015 and 2024 to understand how DSI has been defined, studied, and applied. The main findings include a research agenda that clarifies DSI concepts, proposes a broader definition of DSI, and advocates for comparative studies. By providing a solid theoretical foundation and clear research directions, the article aims to inspire optimism and recognise the potential for the future of DSI. This article's originality lies in its effort to compile scattered ideas about DSI into a clear and structured framework. For startups and technology companies seeking to address socio-economic challenges through corporate social responsibility and sustainable solutions, our study's findings can support the development of innovative operating models that focus on socio-economic impact and transformation.