The document discusses social innovation through several examples. It defines social innovation as novel solutions that address social challenges and improve social well-being. Key characteristics include a focus on social impact through collaboration, innovative and sustainable solutions. Examples provided are microfinance, impact investing, and social enterprises. The document also discusses several case studies in detail that demonstrate social innovation through a triple bottom line approach considering economic, social and environmental impacts. These include Patagonia, Aravind Eye Hospital, Panyaden International School, and Population and Community Development Association. The cases illustrate lessons like the potential of innovative business models, importance of community engagement, and effectiveness of integrated sustainability.

1. Social Innovation
William P. Kittredge, PhD

2. Agenda
Short, interactive, presentation framing
social innovation
Q+A
Classroom exercise in 2 groups

3. Social Innovation
Social innovation refers to the development and
implementation of novel solutions to address
societal challenges, with a particular emphasis on
improving social well-being and fostering positive
change. It involves the creation and adoption of new
ideas, processes, or models that result in enhanced
social outcomes and the betterment of
communities.

4. Key Characteristics of Social
Innovation
Focus on Social Impact: Social innovation centers on generating positive and
measurable impacts on society, addressing issues such as poverty, inequality,
education, and healthcare.
Collaboration and Engagement: It often involves collaborative approaches,
bringing together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit
organizations, businesses, and communities, to work collectively toward solutions.
Innovative Solutions: Social innovation entails the development of innovative and
effective approaches that go beyond traditional methods, seeking to address root
causes rather than just symptoms of social problems.

5. Key Characteristics of Social
Innovation
Sustainability: Sustainable and scalable solutions are
integral to social innovation, aiming to create lasting positive
change rather than short-term fixes.
Adaptability: Social innovation embraces adaptability and
flexibility, recognizing the dynamic nature of societal
challenges and the need for ongoing refinement of solutions.

6. Social Innovation Examples
Governance (e.g. federalism and
democracy)
New forms of capitalism and
accounting
Inclusive and sustainable development

7. Microfinance Initiatives
The introduction of micro-finance models
to provide financial services to individuals
in underserved communities, contributing
to poverty reduction and economic
empowerment.

8. Impact Investing
The integration of impact investing in
financial markets, where investments
are made with the intention of
generating both financial returns and
positive social or environmental impact.

9. Social Enterprise
Social enterprise refers to organizations or
businesses that are driven by a social or
environmental mission, and they use
commercial strategies to achieve their social
objectives. These entities typically operate in
a financially sustainable manner while
addressing social or environmental challenges.

10. Understanding Social Innovation
Understanding and promoting social
innovation is crucial as it offers a
framework for addressing complex
societal issues in ways that are both
effective and sustainable.

11. Social Innovation and Early-Career
Professionals
Addressing Contemporary Challenges
Relevance to current societal and
business challenges
The role of professionals in driving social
change

12. Addressing Contemporary
Challenges
Triple Bottom Line
Balancing economic, social, and environmental
considerations
Collaborative Approaches
Engaging stakeholders and fostering
partnerships

13. Addressing Contemporary
Challenges
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Aligning social innovation efforts with
global goals

14. Patagonia - Triple Bottom Line in Sustainable Apparel
Company: Patagonia, an outdoor clothing
and gear company.
Objective: To demonstrate that a business
can be successful financially while
minimizing environmental impact and
promoting social responsibility.

15. Innovation - Triple Bottom Line
Approach
Economic: Patagonia focused on creating high-quality, durable products
that fostered customer loyalty. While initially more expensive, the longevity
of the products contributed to long-term economic sustainability.
Social: The company prioritized fair labor practices, ensuring that workers
across their supply chain were treated ethically. They also promoted fair
trade and supported community development initiatives in areas where
their products were sourced.
Environmental: Patagonia implemented environmentally friendly practices,
such as using recycled materials, reducing water and energy consumption in
production, and actively advocating for environmental causes.

16. Impact
Financial: Despite the initial higher costs, Patagonia's commitment to
sustainability and ethical practices attracted a growing market of
environmentally conscious consumers, leading to financial success and
brand loyalty.
Social: The company's dedication to fair labor practices and community
development contributed to a positive social impact both within their
organization and in the communities where they operated.
Environmental: Patagonia's initiatives significantly reduced its
environmental footprint, setting an industry standard for sustainable
and responsible business practices.

17. Lessons Learned
Holistic Sustainability: The case of Patagonia
demonstrates that a triple bottom line approach,
considering economic, social, and environmental factors,
can result in a successful and sustainable business
model.
Consumer Influence: By aligning their values with those
of their environmentally conscious consumer base,
Patagonia showcased the potential for businesses to
drive positive change and influence industry standards.

18. Aravind Eye Hospital
Organization: Aravind Eye Hospital, based in
India, is a renowned eye care institution
founded by Dr. G. Venkataswamy.
Objective: To provide high-quality, affordable
eye care services while addressing the
challenges of preventable blindness and visual
impairment in underserved communities.

19. Innovation - Social Enterprise
Economic: Aravind Eye Hospital adopted an innovative cross-subsidization model.
While providing world-class eye care to paying patients, the hospital used the
revenue generated to subsidize or provide free services to patients from low-
income backgrounds.
Social: The hospital is committed to eradicating needless blindness. Aravind's
outreach programs, community eye care centers, and partnerships aim to reach
rural and marginalized populations, ensuring that quality eye care is accessible to
all, regardless of their ability to pay.
Environmental: While not traditionally associated with healthcare, Aravind's
model indirectly contributes to environmental sustainability. By preventing and
treating blindness, individuals can lead more independent lives, reducing the need
for long-term support and care.

20. Impact
Financial: Aravind's sustainable business model allows it to provide
high-quality eye care to a broad spectrum of patients, from those
who can afford to pay to those who cannot. The hospital's financial
success contributes to its ability to serve a larger community.
Social: Aravind's impact extends beyond eye care; it positively
influences economic productivity by restoring sight to individuals who
can then actively participate in their communities and workplaces.
Environmental: By preventing blindness, Aravind contributes to a
reduced need for ongoing support and care, indirectly lessening the
environmental impact associated with long-term healthcare needs.

21. Lessons Learned
Innovative Business Models: Aravind's cross-
subsidization model showcases the potential for
innovative business approaches in healthcare, ensuring
financial sustainability while delivering essential services.
Community-Centric Care: The hospital's commitment to
reaching underserved communities emphasizes the
importance of community engagement and tailoring
services to meet the specific needs of the population.

22. Panyaden International School
Organization: Panyaden International School,
located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is an innovative
educational institution founded with a focus on
holistic education and sustainable living.
Objective: To provide quality education while
instilling environmental mindfulness and ethical
values in students.

23. Innovation
Economic: Panyaden integrates sustainable practices into its daily operations,
such as using eco-friendly materials for construction and maintenance. This
approach demonstrates a commitment to financial sustainability while
aligning with the school's environmental ethos.
Social: The school emphasizes Buddhist principles, promoting ethical and
compassionate values among students. Additionally, Panyaden engages with
the local community, offering scholarships to deserving students and
organizing outreach programs to enhance education accessibility.
Environmental: Panyaden's campus is designed to be ecologically conscious,
featuring renewable energy sources, waste reduction initiatives, and organic
farming. These initiatives aim to teach students about environmental
responsibility and sustainability.

24. Impact
Financial: Panyaden's commitment to sustainability has attracted a
community of parents who value the school's holistic approach,
contributing to its financial success and continued growth.
Social: The school's emphasis on ethical values and community
engagement has created a positive impact not only on students but
also on the broader community, fostering a sense of responsibility
and compassion.
Environmental: By integrating sustainable practices into education,
Panyaden educates a generation of environmentally conscious
individuals, promoting a mindset of sustainability from an early age.

25. Lessons Learned
Integrated Sustainability: Panyaden's case illustrates
how an educational institution can integrate
sustainability into its core principles, demonstrating the
viability of a triple bottom line approach in the education
sector.
Community Collaboration: The school's engagement
with the local community underscores the importance of
collaboration and inclusivity in promoting sustainable
education.

26. Population & Community Development Association (PDA)
Organization: The Population and Community
Development Association (PDA) in Thailand,
founded by Mechai Viravaidya, is a non-profit
organization focused on family planning, healthcare,
and community development.
Objective: To address population issues, promote
family planning, and improve the overall well-being
of communities.

27. Innovation
Economic: PDA implemented a creative approach to family planning by
introducing the "Cabbages and Condoms" restaurant chain. Profits from these
ventures contribute to funding PDA's programs, ensuring financial sustainability
for its initiatives.
Social: PDA's comprehensive approach includes educational campaigns, accessible
healthcare services, and community engagement. The organization empowers
individuals with knowledge about family planning, reproductive health, and HIV
prevention, fostering healthier communities.
Environmental: While not directly an environmental initiative, PDA's family
planning efforts contribute indirectly to environmental sustainability by
addressing population-related challenges and promoting responsible family
planning practices.

28. Impact
Financial: The unique funding model, including revenue from
"Cabbages and Condoms," has allowed PDA to scale its programs,
reaching a larger audience and maximizing its impact.
Social: PDA's holistic approach has contributed to a significant
reduction in population growth rates, improved maternal and child
health, and increased awareness of family planning methods.
Environmental: Addressing population issues aligns with sustainable
development goals, indirectly contributing to environmental
sustainability by mitigating population-related pressures.

29. Lessons Learned
Innovative Funding Models: PDA's case highlights the
effectiveness of innovative funding models in
sustaining social impact initiatives, demonstrating that
creative approaches can support financial viability.
Community-Centric Strategies: PDA's success
underscores the importance of tailoring interventions
to community needs, fostering trust, and promoting
sustained positive change.

30. Now it is your turn!!
As people with an engineering
background and management ambitions,
please use the tools you have to propose a
solution to the seasonal air quality
problems that plague Thailand annually.

31. Agenda
Brainstorming
2 groups
Gather ideas and refine solution sets
Solution Presentations