Social Innovation is about the IDEA.

In a corporate context, social innovation refers to high-impact ideas that create measurable societal value while outperforming existing solutions. These innovations can take the form of products, services, or processes—but what sets them apart is their potential to drive systemic change for the benefit of society.

For instance, a mobile phone isn’t inherently a social innovation—but using it to deliver remote healthcare diagnostics is. Likewise, pay-for-success contracts represent an innovative financing model that aligns financial incentives with social outcomes.

True social innovation goes beyond ideation—it requires rigorous testing, demonstrated impact, and the potential to scale, often through open, collaborative models that evolve over time. For corporates, this is a path to both innovation and social leadership.

Social Enterprise is about the BUSINESS MODEL.

Social enterprises operate with a dual bottom line: social impact and financial sustainability. Whether structured as a nonprofit or for-profit entity, these organizations apply market-based approaches to solve social challenges.

While some philanthropic capital may support early-stage efforts, the long-term goal is a self-sustaining model. Not all social enterprises are novel—many proven models (such as inclusive employment programs or mission-driven retail operations) deliver significant impact without being “new.”

For corporate leaders, investing in or partnering with social enterprises offers an opportunity to align business performance with positive societal outcomes.

Social Entrepreneurship is about the MINDSET.

Social entrepreneurs are purpose-driven leaders—inside or outside the corporate world—who apply entrepreneurial thinking to drive social change. They may found startups, lead internal innovation efforts ("intrapreneurship"), or operate within traditional institutions.

What defines them isn’t where they work—it’s how they work:

1. They prioritize understanding the problem over falling in love with a single solution.

2. They co-create solutions with communities to ensure relevance and longevity.

3. They measure success by impact, not just intent—and they pursue scale with discipline.

For corporations, fostering this mindset within teams can unlock bold, mission-aligned innovation that meets both business and social goals.

Why This Matters to Business

At its core, social innovation, enterprise, and entrepreneurship are not fringe ideas—they are increasingly central to how modern businesses create long-term value. In a world where stakeholders demand more than profits, understanding these distinctions helps organizations contribute meaningfully to a more equitable and prosperous society.

We believe the future of business is deeply connected to social change—and we invite you to explore how these approaches can elevate your company’s impact, innovation, and legacy.