Business as Unusual: A Business Model for Social Innovation

Marta Gasparin*, William Green, Simon Lilley, Martin Quinn, Mike Saren, Christophe Schinckus

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Business model (BM) literature has developed considerably; however, most research takes place in large for-profit organisations in western settings, rather than small–medium enterprises with social goals. This is surprising given the drive for social innovation (SI) and alternative modes of organizing. Models for managing innovation are typically agnostic about sources of social, ecological and cultural values; yet our in-depth qualitative research demonstrates that, for SMEs practicing SI in Vietnam, these values are as inherent as economic value. As a result, a new social BM emerged and was evaluated. This paper: (i) defines a Business model for SI for sustaining the long-term growth of SI; (ii) provides a Strategic framework for SI for SMEs, to ensure that the strategy of SMEs takes into consideration the positive impact SIs can have on society; and (iii) defines mechanisms to create and capture economic, social, cultural and ecological values.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Business Research
Volume125
Pages (from-to)698-709
Number of pages12
ISSN0148-2963
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Business model for social innovation
  • SMEs
  • Social innovation
  • Strategic framework for social innovation
  • Transitional economy

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