Title: Corporate Social Innovation as a Driver of Performance and Welfare. WWWforEurope Policy Paper No. 25
Abstract: Social innovation is booming as a political buzzword. However, the concept still lacks scientific analysis, a common epistemology and a clear-cut definition. This paper takes a step towards a better theoretical and conceptual understanding of corporate innovation by detaching the concept from the government and NPO sector. It suggests defining innovation by its means and ends. The term social not only refers to the non-material nature of innovation and its process that modifies practices, behaviour and relationships, but also relates to the achievement of socially desirable ends. The means and ends for corporate innovation are further analysed in three case studies on car-sharing, fair trade and diversity management of a multi-ethnic workforce. The analysis also shows that for-profit companies not only play an important role in the advancement of innovations, but also that innovations constitute a business opportunity. Moreover, the characteristics of (corporate) innovations offer our society and economy the dynamics to adapt to challenges in a complex environment.
Publication Year: 2015
Publication Date: 2015-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 1
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