Percentage Change Definition

Social Innovation - what is it?

Enter "social" in Dictionary.com. It shows it is an adjective, and among the various definitions, you will find "of or pertaining to the life, welfare, and relations of human beings in a community," and "noting or pertaining to activities designed to remedy or alleviate certain unfavorable conditions of life in a community, especially among the poor."

The most relevant definition refers to the relations and welfare of people in a community. This implies social problems, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and relationships are part of the concept of "social." To understand social innovation, you have to be open to concepts that go beyond the limited approach of poverty alleviation.

Now that we have a clearer definition of the meaning of "social," what about "innovation"? What comes to mind when one thinks about innovation? It evokes visions of science, medicine, and education. In reality, stripped of its implied meaning, the definition is as basic as "the introduction of new things or methods." It is something different, something new. It could include advances or discoveries in the fields of science, medicine, and academia, but it is not limited to these areas. Again, from Dictionary.com, "something new or different introduced ... the act of innovating; introduction of new things or methods."