Human Rights and Social Innovation: The Case of the Chief Scientist Program in the State of Ceará

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between social innovation and human rights through the experience of the Chief Scientist Program in the State of Ceará, Brazil, particularly within the activities of the Secretariat for Human Rights (SEDIH). Initially, the study discusses the expansion of the concept of innovation beyond its strictly technological and economic dimensions, highlighting social innovation as an instrument aimed at the realization of fundamental rights and the development of solutions to complex social problems. It then analyzes the structure of the Chief Scientist Program as a public policy of innovation and the institutionalization of SEDIH within the context of the current state administration of Ceará. Finally, through a case study approach, the article examines the proposed collaboration between the Program and SEDIH, especially regarding the systematization of data, the formulation of mechanisms to identify and to counter rights violations, and the promotion of educational and training initiatives in the field of human rights.