Title: Exploring the boundaries of corporate social responsibility and innovation: a conceptual framework of socio-political stakeholders and their integration into the innovation process

Authors: Maximilian A. Maier; Alexander Brem; Matthias Kauke

Addresses: Department of Marketing and Sales Management, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Licher Straße 66, D-35394 Giessen, Germany ' Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Alsion 2, DK-6400 Sønderborg, Denmark ' Munich School of Management, University of Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, Munich D-80539, Germany

Abstract: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and innovation are common keywords in management research and practice. Both of them are understood in different ways. To discover the boundaries of CSR and innovation, this paper sheds light on the traditional view of CSR, with a focus on its (CSR) integration into the corporate strategy and its linkages to innovation. On the basis of a systematic literature review, a conceptual framework is developed. This framework categorises socio-political stakeholders and identifies other relevant stakeholders on the basis of a theoretical typology. Finally, dialogue strategies are examined regarding their fit within the corporate innovation process. In this regard, stakeholder collaboration is suggested as the appropriate strategy of engaging strategically significant stakeholders. The paper concludes with implications, limitations and further research suggestions.

Keywords: corporate social responsibility; CSR; innovation management; innovation process; stakeholder integration; corporate strategy; stakeholder collaboration; stakeholder engagement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2016.077515

International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 2016 Vol.10 No.3, pp.312 - 337

Received: 22 Nov 2014
Accepted: 26 Oct 2015
Published online: 04 Jul 2016 *

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