ISSN 2411-9571 (Print) ISSN 2411-4073 (online) European Journal of Economics and Business Studies January - April 2019 Volume 5, Issue 1 13 Step by Step for Social Innovation with Neuro-Fuzzy Modelling 1 Mariann Veresné Somosi University of Miskolc, professor Krisztina Varga University of Miskolc, assistant lecturer György Kocziszky University of Miskolc, professor Abstract Innovation as the key element of economic development is a crucial factor in social processes. Technical innovations can be identified as prerequisites and causes of social change and cannot be created without the renewal of society. Technological and economic innovations cannot respond to all social challenges. Natural and material resources are becoming more and more scarce, so it is necessary to use investment assets as efficiently as possible, maximizing social and economic efficiency. It is a major task to address the backwardness of social disparities and to create opportunities for catching up in peripheral regions.The aim of our study is to identify the local level of catching-up opportunities that arise from social innovation efforts, and model values for other disadvantaged areas. The investigated solution is presented as a case study after a structured analysis of the local initiatives of the settlement. In addition to examining the prominent role of local actors and networks, we present the process of social innovation, the framework conditions that determine systemic functioning, as well as the social needs, potentials and barriers that determine social innovation efforts.The study identifies the social, economic and political challenges associated with social needs in peripheral regions, as well as proposals for solutions based on neuro-fuzzy modelling that can be adapted to other disadvantaged areas. Exploring solutions and innovative structures and collaborations provides an opportunity to demonstrate the role of the social innovation process in local-level catching-up initiatives. Keywords: social innovation, disadvantaged settlements, catching up, neuro-fuzzy modelling, process orientation Introduction A number of fundamental problems of the economy and society - such as the decrease in population, unemployment, migration, or lagging regions - require long-term solutions that need new forms of cooperation between social actors, the direct voluntary participation of citizens in decision-making processes, and the pursuit of social innovation efforts (Veresné Somosi-Varga, 2018). Social innovation and so-called technical innovations reinforce each other and as a result they can respond to local, community-level challenges, find solutions to everyday problems and thus enhance the well-being of the community. Innovations resulting from the expansion of innovative areas can be characterized as complementary processes. Social innovation efforts can be interpreted at several levels. 1 “The described article was carried out as part of the EFOP-3.6.1-16-2016-00011 “Younger and Renewing University – Innovative Knowledge City – institutional development of the University of Miskolc aiming at intelligent specialisation” project implemented in the framework of the Szechenyi 2020 program. The realization of this project is supported by the European Union, co-financed by the European Social Fund.”