Social innovation in solving significant and complex problems of the Mazovia region

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the role of social innovation in solving significant and complex problems of the Mazovia region by using the results of research conducted at the university and thus supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals by the university. Design/methodology/approach: The paper describes the results of workshops organized for scientists from all over Poland by 2 universities, i.e. the Warsaw University of Technology and the University of Warsaw. The main objective of the workshops was an attempt to identify studies conducted by their participants, the results of which could contribute to solving specific problems of the region. This publication also refers to the results of the Lean Management in Healthcare project aimed at improving the Polish health care system, and thus also at solving a very important social problem. Findings: Although the nature of these 2 projects was different, they had one objective, which was to use research results in solving important social problems. The first project can be considered as an equivalent of a technological-push model, while the second one corresponds to the market-pull model. Research limitations/implications: The article contains preliminary research related to proposing the use of conducted research to solve important social problems. Practical implications: The article can help to establish cooperation between scientists and other institutions in using the conducted research for a new purpose of solving social problems, but also be an inspiration for further search for them by modifying or planning new research. Social implications: The development of the proposed new directions of using the conducted research may contribute to solving important social problems. This should be the role of research conducted in universities to fulfill all their missions. Originality/value: An attempt to combine the social problems of Mazovia with specific research carried out by the participants of the workshops should be considered a novelty. Many participants admitted that thanks to this workshop they were motivated to continue working on a new way of using the results of their research.