Social Innovation

RMIT Classification: Trusted

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Learning Objectives
• Understanding the general overview of social innovation in
problem solving skills context.

• Understanding social innovation as an institutional change and

work element.

• Screening ideas

• CSR

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Topic 1: Understanding general overview
of social innovation in problem solving
context.

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 Let’s first understand what is meant by
Social challenges?
Social challenges refer to complex issues and problems that
impact individuals, communities, and societies at large.

These challenges arise from various factors such as inequality,

poverty, discrimination, environmental degradation, healthcare
disparities, and systemic injustices.

They often require collective action, innovative thinking, and

sustainable solutions to address their root causes and mitigate
their negative effects.

Social challenges can encompass a wide range of issues, from

access to education and healthcare to human rights violations and
climate change.

Accordingly ….
There is a need for social innovations!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i7L6nOkQFo&ab_channel=SiGCanada
Modern Slavery

https://slaveryfootprint.org/#
 Quote…

"Social challenges are invitations for us to come together,

to amplify our voices, and to stand up for what truly
matters. They remind us of our shared humanity and the
power we hold to create a brighter future for all." -
Unknown
 What is Social innovation

Social innovation is a term that has been gaining popularity in

recent years.

It refers to the development of new ideas, products or

services that aim to solve social problems and improve
people's lives.

Social innovation can take many forms, from community-led

initiatives to technological advancements that address
societal issues.
 RMIT Classification: Trusted

What is social innovation in details?

Social innovation refers to the design and implementation of
new solutions that imply conceptual, process, product, or
organisational change, which ultimately aim to improve the
welfare and wellbeing of individuals and communities (OECD
2022).

Many initiatives undertaken by the social economy and by the

civil society have proven to be innovative in dealing with socio-
economic and environmental problems, while contributing to
economic development.

To fully tap the potential of social innovation, an enabling policy

framework is needed to support public, non-profit and private
actors to co-construct and implement socially innovative
solutions and thereby contribute to address socio-economic
issues, build stronger territorial resilience and better respond to
future shocks.
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 More on social innovation

Social innovation is not just about coming up with new ideas,

but also about creating partnerships and collaborations
between different sectors of society.
Governments, businesses, non-profits and citizens all have a
role to play in promoting social innovation and finding
solutions to complex social problems.

Example of social innovation is the sharing economy, which

allows people to share resources such as cars, homes and
tools. This not only reduces waste and promotes
sustainability but also creates new economic opportunities for
individuals and communities.
Example

Remote Learning, Accessibility, Affordability

Example

Funding, disaster responses

Hitachi example

https://youtu.be/ie_KQYmAcLg
Research “Who gives a Crap”

https://au.whogivesacrap.org/pages/our-impact
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Ssocial innovation and design thinking

 Challenges to social innovations
• Resistance to change from various stakeholders, including governments, organizations, and
Resistance to Change: individuals, can hinder the adoption and scaling of social innovations.

• Securing financial support, attracting investment, and accessing resources can be challenging,
Funding and Resources: particularly for early-stage or unconventional projects.

Policy and Regulatory • Navigating complex legal frameworks and bureaucracy can impede the progress of social
Constraints: innovation efforts and limit their potential impact.

Collaboration and • Building effective partnerships, fostering cooperation, and aligning different interests and
Coordination: priorities can be complex and time-consuming.

• Scaling successful social innovations to reach a larger audience and replicate their impact in
Scaling and Replicability: different contexts is a significant challenge.

• Measurement: Assessing the impact and effectiveness of social innovations can be challenging
Evaluation and Impact due to the complex nature of social challenges and the long-term nature of their outcomes.

• Many social challenges are deeply rooted and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive
Lack of Awareness and understanding of their underlying causes. Raising awareness, building empathy, and educating
Understanding: stakeholders about social issues and the potential of social innovation is essential for fostering
support and engagement
Topic 2: Idea screening

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Idea screening

Process so far:
• Research situation, internal & external factors
• Understand and map stakeholders
• Research target cohort and build empathy map
• Generate ideas

Next Steps are:

• Idea screening
• Prototype
• Test
• Pitch
 Selected attributes of
Ideas Screening 1. Feasibility
2. Desirability
(based on selected attributes) 3. Viability Which idea will win?
Idea 1

Idea 5

Idea 2

Selected attributes of
1. Feasibility
2. Desirability
3. Viability

Idea 4
Idea 3
idea

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Idea screening based on…

Feasible (F)
capable of being done, effected, or accomplished
Example: a feasible plan
Desirable (D)
worth having or wanting. It is pleasing, excellent, or fine
Example: a desirable apartment
Viable (V)
having the ability to grow, scale, develop and sustain itself
Example: a viable land
Ideas Screening
attributes

• Select relevant attributes

• Position ideas based on their merits in relation
to the selected attributes
• Use several charts to cover different attributes
• Critically assess, which idea you will select for
PROTOTYPING
• Prioritise desirability attributes, if ideas score
the same
attributes

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The solution must be: desirable,
feasible and viable
DVF Framework Feasibility
• Is the technology needed to
power the design solution
available or within reach?
• How long will this take?
• Can the organization actually
make it happen?

Desirability
• Will this solution fill a
need?
• Will it fit into people’s
lives?
Viability
• Will it appeal to them?
• Will the design solution
• Will they actually want it?
align with the business
goals?
• Does this solution honor
the client’s budget?
• What will the return on
the investment look like?
Topic 3: Understanding CSR and CSR
frameworks.
 CSR & Social Innovations
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and social innovation are related concepts
but have distinct characteristics:

While both CSR and social innovation share a common goal of

addressing social and environmental challenges, CSR is typically within
the scope of a business's responsibilities and involves integrating
sustainable practices into business operations. Social innovation, on the
other hand, focuses on generating novel solutions to societal problems,
often involving collaborative and creative approaches beyond traditional
business boundaries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmVLcj-XKnM&ab_channel=ConservationInternational

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 RMIT Classification: Trusted

What is corporate social responsibility (CSR)?

It goes beyond just legal obligations and consider the impact of its actions on various
stakeholders, including employees, customers, communities, and the environment.
It involves integrating social, environmental, and ethical considerations into the
company's business strategies and operations.
 Evolution over time
CSR has evolved and expanded in scope over the years mainly because of the societal expectations!

Initially, CSR focused primarily on philanthropy and charitable activities.

However, it has evolved into a more strategic and comprehensive

approach that integrates social and environmental considerations
into core business functions.

Today, CSR encompasses a wide range of issues, including

environmental sustainability, labour practices, human rights,
community development, diversity and inclusion, and responsible
supply chain management.
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Many CSR practices

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Topic 4: Understanding Company
Stakeholder responsibility (New
CSR).
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Company Stakeholder Responsibility

Freeman & McVea (2001)

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Solution as proposed by Freeman and Velamuri 2006:

Find a way to integrate the consideration of business, ethics and society

Example - Ethique

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67eLebz37Zo

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Example - Ethique

https://ethique.com.au/pages/journey

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Future Trends

• As climate change and environmental concerns continue to escalate, there

Emphasis on Environmental will be an increased focus on integrating environmental sustainability into
Sustainability CSR practices.

• Businesses will be expected to integrate responsible AI practices, ensure

Ethical AI and Technology: data privacy and security, mitigate biases, and leverage technology to
address social and environmental challenges.

• Businesses will be expected to engage suppliers, monitor labour conditions,

Responsible Supply Chains: ensure responsible sourcing of raw materials, and combat issues like child
labour, forced labour, and modern slavery.

• Businesses will be expected to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their

Diversity, and Inclusion workforce, leadership, and supply chains.

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The sustainable development Goals

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

The United Nations' SDGs
• How businesses can align their CSR
efforts with these global goals?

Improving Access to Sanitation: Unilever's brand Domestos

has implemented several initiatives to improve access to
sanitation in developing countries. They have partnered with
organizations like UNICEF to provide hygiene education
programs, promote proper handwashing practices, and
distribute sanitation products to communities in need.

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Ethical Dilemma

• Dilemma occurs when there is a conflict between different values or stakeholders' interests.

• For example, Sustainable sweets Co. may face a dilemma when choosing between sourcing
ingredients from a lower-cost supplier with questionable labour practices or paying a higher
price to ensure fair labour conditions.

Ethical Principles: Determine the ethical principles that should guide decision-
making.

Common ethical principles in CSR include fairness, transparency, integrity,

accountability, sustainability, and respect for human rights and the environment.

These principles serve as a framework for evaluating potential actions.

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• Let’s discuss …

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-drinks/sugary-drinks/
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Questions?