Social innovation is booming as a political buzzword. However, the concept still lacks scientific analysis, a common epistemology
and a clear-cut definition. This paper takes a step towards a better theoretical and conceptual understanding of corporate
social innovation by detaching the concept from the government and NPO sector. It suggests defining social innovation by its
social means and social ends. The term "social" not only refers to the non-material nature of innovation and its social process
that modifies social practices, behaviour and relationships, but also relates to the achievement of socially desirable ends.
The means and ends for corporate social innovation are further analysed in three case studies on car-sharing, fair trade and
diversity management of a multi-ethnic workforce. The analysis also shows that for-profit companies not only play an important
role in the advancement of social innovations, but also that social innovations constitute a business opportunity. Moreover,
the characteristics of (corporate) social innovations offer our society and economy the dynamics to adapt to social challenges
in a complex environment.
Forschungsbereich:Industrie-, Innovations- und internationale Ökonomie