Agents in the transformation of social services

Abstract

The author is an independent consultant in the economic sector and in public social services policy in Spain and in contact with the processes and products of various actors of the practical and knowledge networks involved or interested in this area of professional activity and social life. This article seeks to qualitatively describe and critically analyse the time of change that social services in Spain are experiencing in terms of sectoral and intersectoral dynamics, in order to explore the trends and opportunities for technological and social innovation and, within this framework, the potential and preferable role and approach (from their perspective) of the various public, third sector and private actors. Finally, a proposal is made for personalised, preventive, community, integrated, ecological, interdisciplinary and knowledge-based social services that are guaranteed as universal rights. The guarantors would be proactive and intelligent public authorities that recognise the historical role and added value of social initiative in the sector and know how to regulate and incorporate the role of commercial entities that contribute to economic, social and environmental sustainability in the territory.