As of recent, the question I keep hearing is "What is social innovation?" in business arenas. The 'social innovation' throws a lot of people off. The basic concept of innovation is to create. However, when adding the social aspect to innovation, the looks you'll get are somewhat aloof.

Is it the 'social' before the innovation? Why doesn't social innovation make sense? Hasn't social innovation been established and recognized? Don't we have social innovator awards? Aren't there great social innovators in history?

The answers to all these questions depends on your view of social innovation. One's perspective would have to take in account that 'social' programs are correlated to government subsidies (i.e. - food stamps, housing, social security, etcetera). Therefore, anything with 'social' in front of it has to do with the government. The Graduate School of Stanford Business has a Center of Social Innovation, and they define it to be a novel solution to a social problem that is more effective, efficient, sustainable, or just than current solutions. The value created accrues primarily to society rather than to private individuals.

Continue reading at http://nwebsterllc.com/sewnaw-podcast/what-is-social-innovation. 

Thanks,

N