Exploring the diversity and spread of adult social care innovations in England: an exercise in mapping innovations and a research agenda

This paper examines the diversity and spread of adult social care (ASC) innovations in England. Drawing on public sector and social innovation traditions to analyse a database of 128 innovations, we present empirical evidence about the heterogeneous nature of ASC innovation, highlighting the importance of interorganizational relationships. We interrogate features and patterns of spread, arguing they are shaped by a sustained and strong New Public Management reform narrative for ASC. This analysis reveals the limits of linear diffusion models and public sector and social innovation traditions in this context, underpinning arguments for more context-sensitive innovation models and application of theory.