Data for: A constructivist grounded theory study of local social innovation assemblage in Dundee city: perspectives from third sector and funding organisations

These data were collected as part of a PhD thesis: A constructivist grounded theory study of local social innovation assemblage in Dundee city: perspectives from third sector and funding organisations.

In order to answer the research question ‘How is social innovation mobilised by local third sector organisations?’ a qualitative study was undertaken using the method of constructivist grounded theory. To obtain primary data, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with local third sector organisations in Dundee, third sector funding organisations from Scotland, and local experts of third sector. The interviews were carried out either in-person, face-to-face, via telephone, or via online audio-video conference platforms such as Zoom. Hence, a mix of hardware such as audio recording device, mic, mobile phone, laptop and software like Zoom, Teams, audio recording software have been used. Field notes were taken through in-person observations and conversations while visiting the organisations.

The dataset includes 25 third sector organisations interviews, 2 individual experts interviews, and 9 funding organisations interviews. One member, mainly from the senior management, was interviewed from each organisation. Field notes from 3 organisations were developed in a predefined structure.

The third sector organisation interviews include data on how the organisation addresses the particular social need, details of the programmes or services available, how relationship is built and maintained with users, the barriers or challenges they face in providing the service especially with resources, the organisations relationship with key stakeholders such as funders, local authority, and peer organisations. Interviews with funding organisations primarily focus on details of the programmes or funds available, the fund criteria, how decisions are made, how funders engage with the applicants and awardees including undertaking any knowledge sharing, and the rationality behind how the funding mechanism is organised. Individual experts include those who have been involved closely with the third sector in Dundee.

The data from individual experts include the key social challenges faced by Dundee, the challenges and opportunities of the local third sector, and how those can be addressed. Field notes include details of how the space is organised and accessibility of the location, the relationship observed among the team members, any other notable factors that can either be on issues that are observed or something positive like display of strong mission commitment and enthusiasm by the team.

This dataset and the associated thesis are currently embargoed.