Social innovation processes as a basis of social transformation of rural communities

This paper aims to reflect on relevance of social innovation for local, economic, and cultural development of rural communities. Firstly, we take the social innovation concept by establishing its relationship with a favorable social transformation to such communities from economic and social perspectives; secondly, experiences of successful social innovation in rural environments are shown by highlighting achievements of these communities concerning several features, such as leadership development, making decisions together, empowering individuals, rebuilding countryside, and building shared future visions; finally, we highlight critical issues to develop rural communities that impose challenges against social innovation.