Digital social innovation has become a central theme in innovation research since the 2010s, in particular through the European Commission’s DSI4EU programme.
This theory examines how digital technologies and networks can be used to solve social problems, create new forms of community and strengthen democratic participation.

Digital social innovation is situated at the intersection of technological development and community collaboration: through online platforms, open databases, community maps or participation interfaces, citizens become active shapers of public policy.
According to the theory, digitalisation is not just a technical tool, but a social infrastructure that facilitates the democratisation of knowledge and the effectiveness of grassroots initiatives.

The DSI concept is linked to the ‘open innovation’ and ‘civic tech’ trends and emphasises that future urban innovations are not just about technological development, but also about new forms of community collaboration.