Why is Social Innovation necessary?

Dr. J Ramkumar
Department of Design
IIT Kanpur, India.
 Contents

• Introduction to social innovation

• Addressing Complex Social Problems
• Encouraging Collaboration
• Fostering Entrepreneurship
• Improving Lives
• Summary
 Introduction - What is social innovation?

Social innovation is:

• the development and implementation of
• new ideas,
• approaches, and
• solutions to social problems or challenges
• that are
• effective,
• efficient, and
• sustainable.
 What is social innovation includes?

Social innovation can take many forms, including

• New technologies
• Business models,
• Policies
• Programs, or services
Social innovation can be driven by
• Individuals,
• Organizations, or
• Communities, and
often involves cross-sector collaboration and partnerships.
 Social Innovation - Elements
Social innovation is often characterized by
• Its focus on
• Social impact,
• Collaboration, and
• The ability to scale solutions

Social innovation can also be a catalyst for

• Change of social structures and
relationships

Overall, social innovation is a way of

applying innovative solutions to social
challenges

Source: Luis Portales, Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, 2019

 Social Innovation Addressing Complex Social
Problems

• It takes different approach

to problem-solving.
• It recognizes that many
Understanding
social problems are the root causes
• systemic and
• interconnected,
requiring creative solutions Co-creating Testing and
that consider the interplay solutions with adapting
stakeholders solutions
between different factors. How are the
problems
addressed?

Creating cross-
Leveraging
sector
technology
partnerships
 Social Innovation Addressing Complex Social
Problems

Understanding the root causes:

• Social innovators often start by
understanding the root causes of Understanding
a social problem, such as poverty, the root causes
inequality, or environmental
degradation.

How are the

problems
addressed?
 Social Innovation Addressing Complex Social
Problems

Co-creating solutions with stakeholders:

• Social innovators often work

collaboratively with stakeholders,
including those affected by the
social problem, to co-create Co-creating
solutions. solutions with
stakeholders
How are the
problems
addressed?
 Social Innovation Addressing Complex Social
Problems

Testing and adapting solutions:

• Social innovators often use

a prototype or testing
phase to test their solutions
before scaling up. Testing and
adapting
solutions
How are the
problems
addressed?
 Social Innovation Addressing Complex Social
Problems

Leveraging technology:

• Social innovation often

involves the use of
technology to address social
problems in new ways.

• For example, digital How are the

problems
platforms can be used to addressed?
connect communities, share
information, and promote
civic engagement. Leveraging
technology
 Social Innovation Addressing Complex Social
Problems

Creating cross-sector partnerships:

• Social innovation often

requires collaboration
across sectors, such as
government, business, and
civil society.

How are the

• By working together, problems
stakeholders can leverage addressed?
their resources, expertise,
and networks to create Creating cross-
more effective solutions. sector
partnerships
 Comparison of Different Types of
Innovation and Social Innovation
• Social innovation is unique Social Innovation
in its focus on creating
positive social impact and Economic Commercial Motivation in social
fostering social change. Innovation Motivation value and
transformation of
society
• Social innovation is often
driven by a sense of social Radical No interest Intentionality in
purpose and a desire to Innovation to improve the living social change
create a more equitable and conditions of
sustainable society excluded populations

Disruptive Low-cost products View of the

Innovation and vision of the marginalized
beneficiaries as a population as
market segment development actors

Social Preservation of the Vision based on the

programs social structure empowerment and
change of the social
structure
Source: Modified from Luis Portales, Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, 2019
 Social Innovation Encourages
Collaboration

• Social innovation can bring

together diverse stakeholders

• Collaboration can help to

leverage resources, build
partnerships, and create a
collective impact

Figure: Sources of Social

Innovation
Source: Modified from Luis Portales, Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, 2019
Sources of Social Innovation

Source: Luis Portales,, Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, 2022

 Sources of Social Innovation -
Nonprofit Sector

● Treating various problems

and addressing the
neglected demands State
and the market.

● Its inclusion occurred

through the generation of
spaces for articulation with
other sectors.

● The production of intervention models aimed to create multiple forms

of value, such as economic and institutional.

Source: Modified from Luis Portales, Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, 2019
 Sources of Social Innovation -
Public Sector
● Organizations of the State
that,
○ through programs,
○ norms,
○ laws, or
○ other mechanisms
seek to promote social change.

Their participation has focused on the allocation of

● Spaces for linking the efforts of different organizations and sectors
● The co-financing of this type of innovation
● The creation of norms, regulations, and laws that promote this
innovation and legitimating movements and social actions supported
by groups of organized civil society.

Source: Modified from Luis Portales, Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, 2019
 Sources of Social Innovation -
Private Sector
● Companies that see social challenges as business opportunities.

● These organizations began to develop a model of attention to social

problems from their areas of social responsibility, consolidating in
business models with social purpose.
● In this sector, social
enterprises emerged, which
have built social business
models that address a social
problem and generate the
income necessary to maintain
and scale up their operation

Source: Modified from Luis Portales, Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, 2019
 Sources of Social Innovation -
Informal Sector
Activities carried out by
○ individuals,
○ families, and
○ communities
that are not captured by the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

But these activities work to

meet social needs, including
non-monetized activities
undertaken by civic,
religious, and social groups.

Source: Modified from Luis Portales, Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, 2019
 Social Innovation Fostering
Entrepreneurship

It creats opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop and implement

innovative solutions to social problems. Here are a few ways social
innovation can foster entrepreneurship:
• Identifying unmet social needs
• Encouraging experimentation and risk-taking
• Providing access to resources and networks
• Fostering collaboration
• Measuring impact
 Social Innovation Improving Lives of
People

Social innovation is improving lives in a variety of ways by creating

new and innovative solutions. Here are a few examples:
• Improving access to education
• Enhancing Healthcare
• Reducing poverty
• Promoting environmental sustainability
• Strengthening social cohesion
 Summary
• Social innovation has several attributes that have increased its
relevance regarding the processes of development and social
transformation.

• Currently, there is a consensus on the importance of promoting the

creation of social innovations worldwide, especially in developing
countries.

• This need lies in the capacity of social innovation to produce long-

term social change and to transform social systems.
 References
● Book: by Luis Portales-Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship(2019)
● Book: Design for Social Innovation,Case Studies from Around the World-
Edited By Mariana Amatullo, Bryan Boyer, Jennifer May, Andrew Shea
● Book: by Peter J. Ogrodnik, Medical Device Design,Innovation from
Concept to Market
● Website: stanford social innovation review
● Website: Ideo.org
● Book;Murray, R., Caulier-Grice, J. and Mulgan, G., 2010. The open book of
social innovation (p. 2). London: National endowment for science,
technology and the art.
● Book: .Hopkinson, N., Hague, R. and Dickens, P. eds., 2006. Rapid
manufacturing: an industrial revolution for the digital age. John Wiley &
Sons.
● Book: Nicolopoulou, K., Karataş-Özkan, M., Janssen, F. and Jermier, J. eds.,
2016. Sustainable entrepreneurship and social innovation. Taylor &
Francis.
● Book : by Mitsutaka Matsumoto - Yasushi Umeda -Keijiro Masui - Shinichi
Fukushige, Design for Innovative Value Towards a Sustainable Society
Thank you!!
Social Innovation as a Unique Concept

Dr. J Ramkumar
Department of Design
IIT Kanpur, India.
 Contents
• Introduction
• Requirement of social innovation
• Core elements of social innovation
• Characteristics of social innovation
• Types of social innovation
• Relationship between different sectors for promotion of social
innovation
• Process of creating A social innovation
• Challenges and barriers in social innovation
• Enabling Social Innovation Ecosystems
• Ethical Considerations in Social Innovation
• Conclusion
• References
 Introduction - What is social innovation?

Social innovation is about coming up with

• New and creative ideas to solve social problems or
• Improve the efficiency of the existing solution
to improve people’s quality of life.

It can include things like

• creating new technologies,
• business models
• policies
• Product or services
 Why Social Innovation is required?

• Addressing complex social challenges

• Driving systemic change
• Inclusivity and participation
• Collaboration and co-creation
• Adaptability to changing needs
• Creating a sustainable and inclusive future
• Unlocking creative solutions
 Core elements of social innovation
• Satisfaction of social need
• Novelty of innovation
• Type of Product Or Result Delivered
• Efficiency Of social innovation
• Strengthening the capabilities of
society to act
 Characteristics Of Social Innovation
• Intersectoral

• Inclusive and Participatory.

• Adaptive and Flexible.

• Bottom up approach. Testing and

adapting
solutions
• Sustainable Solutions.

• Empowering individuals and communities.

• Develop assets and capabilities

 Types of Social innovations
Social innovations have a Flexibility about their mechanism that
results in different kinds of social innovations that are-

1. New Products and services

2. New Processes

3. New Market

4. New Platform

5. New Organizational Forms

6. New Business Models

 Sectors Involved In Promotion Of Social
Innovation
• Government
- shape policies
- provide funding
• Non-Profit Organization
- drive grassroot initiatives Businesses Government
- Advocate social change Sectors
- engage communities involved in
• Businesses – innovate solutions social
innovation
through
-products Academic Non - profit
-services Institutions organizations
-business models
• Academic institutions
- research
- expertise
 The Relationship Between Sectors for the
Promotion of Social Innovation
The relationship between sectors for the promotion of social innovation
is characterized by -
• Collaboration

• Resource sharing

• Policy support

• Market based approaches

• Community engagement

• Co-creation

• Scaling efforts
 Process of Creating Social Innovations

The process takes place in seven stages –

1. Diagnosis of problem

2. Research and Generation of proposals.

3. Prototyping the idea

4. Demonstration

5. Maintenance of the model

6. Scaling and diffusion

7. Systematic Change
Process of creating social innovation

Source: Luis Portales, Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, 2019

Challenges and barriers in social innovation

• Funding

• Resistance to change

• Lack of awareness and understanding

• Policy and regulatory constraint

• Sustainability

• Scaling and replication

Enabling Social Innovation Ecosystems
It involves the following –
• Government – Establishing supportive policies and funding

• collaboration between sectors

• supportive infrastructure

• networking platform

• Culture of promoting social innovation

Ethical Considerations in Social Innovation

The following key ethical considerations are relevant-

• Social justice and equity implications

• Inclusion and diversity

• Responsible innovation

• Balancing profit and social impact

 CONCLUSION
• Social innovation: Unique concept for addressing complex
social challenges
• At its core - collaboration
- inclusivity
- experimentation
• Challenging the status quo and driving systemic change
• Prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity for a better future
 References
Book: Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship by, Luis Portales,
(2019)
Thank you!!
Social Innovation and Industry 4.0:
The Relation

Dr. J Ramkumar
Department of Design
IIT Kanpur, India.
 Contents
• Introduction to Industry 4.0
• Understanding Social Innovation in the Context of Industry 4.0
• The Potential of Industry 4.0 for Social Innovation
• Industry 4.0 Applications for Social Innovation
• Challenges and Ethical Considerations
• Case Studies: Examples of Social Innovation in Industry 4.0
• Opportunities and Future Directions
• Summary
 Introduction to Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0: also called Fourth Industrial
Revolution.
- It involves Integration of
>advanced digital technologies
> automation
- for Revolutionizing
>manufacturing
>industrial processes

Image source :https://bismarckstate.edu/polytechnic/What-is-a-Polytechnic/Industry-40/

 Characteristics of Industry 4.0

Connectivity
Automation Big Data Analytics

Cyber-Physical sustainability and

systems efficiency

Characteristics of Industry
4.0
Human-Machine
Customization
collab.

Decentralized
IoT Integration
decision making
AI
 Technologies driving Industry 4.0

These technologies work

synergistically to
● enable the vision of Industry
4.0,
● creating intelligent,
● interconnected,
● data-driven decision making
● industrial ecosystems that
lead to increased -
efficiency
-flexibility,
-innovation
manufacturing and industrial
sectors.

Image source: https://www.calsoft.com/what-is-industry-4-0/

 Transformational impact on industries
and society
Enhanced Economic
efficiency Growth

Testing and
Testing and
Innovation Improvedadapting
adapting
solutions
Quality of lifesolutions
Impact on Impact on
Industries society
Supply Chain Sustainable
Optimization Practices

workforce Upskilling &

transformation Reskilling
 Social Innovation And Its Purpose

Social innovation is development and implementation of novel

ideas to address social problems.

Purposes of Social Innovation -

• Addressing Social Challenges
• Positive and long lasting transformation
• Promoting equity
• Empowering communities
• Collaboration
• Systemic Impact
• Catalyzing Innovation
• Improving Lives
 Intersection of social innovation and
Industry 4.0

● Intersection of social innovation and Industry 4.0 offers immense

potential for positive change.
● This can lead to more inclusive and sustainable societies

Social Innovation Industry 4.0

Sustainable Inclusive Empowerment Bridging Digital Collaboration

Development Economies & Engagement Divide & Co-creation
 Synergies between social innovation and
technological advancements

Synergy between social innovation and technological advancements are

mutually beneficial through following ways:

• Amplifying Social Impact

• Enabling New Solutions
• Enhancing Efficiency and Effectiveness
• Democratizing Access
• Fostering Collaboration and Co-creation
• Catalyzing Systemic Change
 The Potential of Industry 4.0 for Social
Innovation
Industry 4.0 has significant potential for social innovation,to
- address social problems
- create positive impact on society

It can-
• enable the development of innovative solutions
• improve service delivery
• improve productivity
• bridge digital divide
• optimize processes
• foster collaboration and co-creation
• enhance resilience and preparedness
 Leveraging digital technologies for
social impact
Digital technologies can be used creating social impacts through -
• Access to Information and Services
• enabling collaboration and crowdsourcing
• Data Analytics for
> Insights
> Informed decision making
• improve communication and awareness
• enhance efficiency and scalability
• facilitate monitoring and evaluation
• develop tech-driven solutions
Enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of social
innovation initiatives
Industry 4.0 can contribute to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness
of social innovation initiatives through:
• Automation and Optimization
• data-driven decisions
• Resource Management
• Collaboration and Co-creation
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Enhanced communication and engagement
• Scalability and replicability
 Industry 4.0 For enabling new forms of
collaboration and co-creation
Industry 4.0 offers numerous opportunities for collaboration and co-
creation by leveraging digital technologies to
• connect stakeholders
• share information
• foster innovation.
Ways in which Industry 4.0 can facilitate Collaboration and Co-creation-
• Collaborative Manufacturing
• Virtual Collaboration
• Co-creation Platforms
• Data Sharing and Analytics
• Smart Supply Chains
Industry 4.0 Applications for Social
Innovation
Smart Cities

Education & Healthcare &

skills Devlop. Well-being
Applications
of Industry 4.0
for Social
Innovation

Social Environment
Entrepreneu
rship
Food
Systems
Industry 4.0 Applications for Social
Innovation
Industry 4.0 Applications for Social
Innovation
 Industry 4.0 for digital inclusion and
bridging digital divide
Industry 4.0 can contribute to digital inclusion and bridging the digital
divide through:
Improved
connectivity
Digital Skills Affordable
Training Industry Devices
4.0
Localization and Policy Advocacy
Language Support

Community
Engagement
 Industry 4.0 for Circular Economy and
Sustainable Production
Industry 4.0 technologies can significantly contribute to
• Advancing circular economy principles
• Sustainable production practices

Some key aspects of their relationship:

• Resource Efficiency
• Digitalization and Traceability
• Product Lifecycle Management
• Collaboration and Sharing
• Sustainable Innovation
 Challenges and Ethical Considerations
While there are many benefits of industry 4.0 but there are several
challenges and ethical considerations also to take into account, like:

• Access and Inequality

• Privacy
• Data Protection
• Job Displacement
• Ethical AI and Algorithmic Bias
• Environmental Sustainability
• Ethical Supply Chains
• Human-Centered Design

Image source:https://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/34020/1/Rahanu%20et%20al.%20EuroSPI%202021%20Camera%20Ready%20copy.pdf
Case Study:- Proximity Designs - Myanmar
• Proximity Designs is a social enterprise based in Myanmar that
leverages Industry 4.0 technologies to address agricultural challenges
in rural areas
• IoT & Data Analytics for Sustainable Agriculture
• Agricultural challenges in rural areas
• Proximity Designs approach
• IoT-enabled solutions
• Data analytics for actionable insights
• Enhancing efficiency & productivity

Image source:https://skoll.org/organization/proximity-designs/
 Case Study 2: Blockchain-based solutions for
transparent supply chains and fair trade

One notable example is the use of blockchain in the Coffee Industry.

• Supply chain challenges:
-Transparency
-Trust
-Fair trade practices
• Blockchain Technology
• Transparent Supply Chains
• Ethical Sourcing and Fair Trade
• Smart Contracts
• Consumer Trust and Engagement

image source:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2199853123001105
 Case Study 2: Blockchain-based solutions for
transparent supply chains and fair trade

fig: Blockchain traceability model in the coffee industry

fig: Blockchain traceability model in the coffee industry

image source:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2199853123001105
Case study 3: Social robots for healthcare and
elderly care
• Introduced as a result of-
-demand of innovative solutions in
>Healthcare
> Elderly Care
• Applications
-Assisting with tasks
-Monitoring vital signs
-Reduced social isolation
• Case Example: Pepper Robot
-Successful implementation
-consumer satisfaction
• Ethical Considerations:
privacy and data security
human oversight and control
Striking a balance Pepper robots
Image source:https://www.aldebaran.com/en/pepper-healthcare-ga
 Case study 4: Digital platforms for social
entrepreneurship and impact investing
• Digital Platforms
-as catalyst
-facilitate connection and collaboration
• Roles-
-provide access to the global network
-efficient matching of capital
-offer tools and resources
• Benefits for social entrepreneurs and
investors:
-access to opportunities
-Enhanced business growth
-Facilitate networking
• Case Example: Kickstarter and Kiva

Image 1 source: www.kiva.org/

Image 2 source:https://logos-world.net/kickstarter-logo/
 Industry 4.0: Opportunities and Future
Directions
Industry 4.0 offers numerous opportunities and has the potential to
revolutionize various sectors.
Industry 4.0 offers opportunities for-
• Increased efficiency
• Customization
• Data-driven decision making
• Collaboration

Future directions focus on-

• Upskilling the workforce
• Sustainability
• Cybersecurity
• Embracing emerging technologies
Industry 4.0: Opportunities and Future
Directions
Additional opportunities and future directions in the context of Industry 4.0
• Collaborative innovation ecosystems and platforms
between-
- companies
- researchers
- startups

• Upskilling and reskilling for the digital workforce

• Policy and regulatory frameworks supporting social innovation in Industry

4.0

• Promoting responsible innovation and human-centered design principles

 References
● Book: by Luis Portales-Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship(2019)
● Book: Design for Social Innovation,Case Studies from Around the World-
Edited By Mariana Amatullo, Bryan Boyer, Jennifer May, Andrew Shea
● Book: by Peter J. Ogrodnik, Medical Device Design,Innovation from
Concept to Market
● Website: stanford social innovation review
● Website: Ideo.org
● Book;Murray, R., Caulier-Grice, J. and Mulgan, G., 2010. The open book of
social innovation (p. 2). London: National endowment for science,
technology and the art.
● Book: .Hopkinson, N., Hague, R. and Dickens, P. eds., 2006. Rapid
manufacturing: an industrial revolution for the digital age. John Wiley &
Sons.
● Book: Nicolopoulou, K., Karataş-Özkan, M., Janssen, F. and Jermier, J. eds.,
2016. Sustainable entrepreneurship and social innovation. Taylor &
Francis.
● Book : by Mitsutaka Matsumoto - Yasushi Umeda -Keijiro Masui - Shinichi
Fukushige, Design for Innovative Value Towards a Sustainable Society
Thank you!!