Title: Understanding social innovation: a provisional framework

Authors: Patrick Dawson, Lisa Daniel

Addresses: University of Wollongong, School of Management and Marketing, NSW 2522, Australia; University of Aberdeen, Business School, Aberdeen, AB24 3QY, UK. ' University of Adelaide, School of Commerce, Security House, 233 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia

Abstract: This article examines what we understand by the concept of social innovation. Historically, the emphasis has been on how to translate innovations in science and technology into commercial applications. Typically, company survival is explained in terms of an |innovation imperative| in the pursuit of profits and competitive advantage. In contrast, social innovations are triggered by an interest in improving the well-being of people in society. Social rather than economic concerns are the main driver in the development and application of new ideas to solving problems and improving social conditions. We examine the relationship between social, business and technical dimensions and develop a provisional framework for making sense of social innovation.

Keywords: social innovation; sustainability; change; social capital; corporate social responsibility; CSR; social entrepreneurship; Socratic dialogue; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2010.033125

International Journal of Technology Management, 2010 Vol.51 No.1, pp.9 - 21

Published online: 06 Apr 2013 *

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