ANTECEDENTS OF SOCIAL INNOVATION – CONCEPTUAL MODEL PROPOSITION

Abstract

In the last two decades, social entrepreneurship (SE) theory has become a broad and multifaceted stream of research. Social entrepreneurs approach social problems through novel ways, introducing innovative solutions that couple social capital and market instruments.

Taken that innovation is considered by many the backbone of successful entrepreneurial ventures, the study of innovation in SE context is much needed to understand the distinctive features and origins of SE ventures. Social innovation profoundly changes the routines, resource combinations of the social system in which it occurs.

Based on extensive literature review, this article aims to establish if, why and how, in given environmental and market contexts, social innovation occur. The study explores the building blocks and dynamics of social innovation in SE context. It starts with conceptualizations of social problems as sources of any social entrepreneurial venture. It then turns to the identification of necessary components of social innovation. The article presents an integrated process-based view of social innovation and its antecedents. The findings will hopefully lead to stretching the existing theory beyond an often-travelled path and allow the formulation of testable hypotheses.