Current State of Research on Social Inclusion in Asia and the Pacific: Focus on Ageing, Gender and Social Innovation

This report provides a review and analysis of the current state of research on ageing, gender and social inclusion in the five sub-regions of the Asia Pacific. It also provides a review on how countries in the region have through social innovation adopted social inclusiveness at the national and sub-regional policymaking levels. Social innovation in this case refers to new ideas (products, services and models) that meet social needs and create new social relationships or collaborations that enhance society’s capacity to act for the benefit of every individual.

The objective of reviewing the current state of literature on ageing, gender and social innovation is to alert policymakers to the research gaps to be filled in order to inform relevant policies to facilitate the social inclusion of older persons at every level in society and, in turn, engender inclusive development. In this regard, building inclusive societies calls for social innovation in knowledge and policies.

The research covered in the chapters in this report includes published literature and documents produced by academics, multilateral and international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) made available in printed format and on the Internet.