PUBLIC AND SOCIAL INNOVATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: THE CASE OF THE COURT OF AUDITORS OF THE STATE OF TOCANTINS AS A TRANSFORMATIVE MODEL

Abstract

Public innovation has been increasingly recognized as a critical area for addressing complex societal challenges such as climate change, public health crises, and economic inequality. Public policies aimed at promoting social innovations in regional contexts are highlighted as essential instruments to address local challenges and promote the well-being of communities. Public and social innovation plays a fundamental role in building effective and sustainable solutions. This article observes the experience of the Tocantins Commitment for Early Childhood, an initiative of the Court of Auditors of the State of Tocantins (TCE/TO) of external public and social innovation for the integral development of children between 0 and 6 years old. The research uses a qualitative approach, based on the documentary analysis of institutional materials of the TCE/TO, such as the booklet "Active Participation", technical reports and related regulations. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with public managers and technicians from the municipalities of Tocantins, seeking to understand the perceptions about the impact of the initiative on local governance processes. It was identified as an initiative articulated with several actors, promoting the efficiency of public administration and achieving significant social impacts for the municipalities of Tocantins. The challenges, solutions, and possibilities of the project serving as a replicable reference for other regions of the country are highlighted.