Pankaj Deshpande

In recent times, Social Innovation has emerged as a significant topic of discussion, garnering attention on a global scale. So much so that The World Economic Forum has established an advisory body, the Global Agenda Council, comprised of both practitioners and thought leaders, dedicated to defining a social innovation model. This model emphasizes the application of sustainable, market-based, and innovative approaches aimed at benefitting society at large, with particular focus on marginalized communities. Why Social Innovation Matters to Businesses In the present business landscape, the social innovation model holds immense potential to drive positive change. Here are some compelling advantages that businesses can reap by adopting this approach: Restoring Trust: In an era where trust in businesses is on the decline, those that actively contribute to societal growth can regain the trust of both internal and external stakeholders. Addressing Resource Scarcity and Sustainability: With...

Renowned architect, inventor, designer, and geodesic dome developer R. Buckminster Fuller once asserted that to effect real change, we must construct new models that render existing ones obsolete. In today's world, rife with crises like climate change, food insecurity, pandemics, poverty, and more, radical solutions that challenge the status quo are imperative. Social innovation in entrepreneurship emerges as a potent tool to drive positive change and address these pressing challenges. Defining Social Innovation Social Innovation is the process of reimagining societal structures to make them conducive for positive and necessary change. This paradigm shift paves the way for innovative solutions to various social and environmental challenges, including: Social Justice Education Environmental Protection Sustainable Development Governance On the other hand, Social Entrepreneurship involves creating products and services in a for-profit business model to address specific social or envi...

In the last century, the field of medicine has witnessed remarkable progress, from groundbreaking drug discoveries to the digital transformation of healthcare services. Nevertheless, the gap between these groundbreaking innovations and underserved populations still persists. To bridge this chasm, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the Social Innovation in Healthcare initiative in 2014. But what exactly is social innovation, and how does it revolutionize the landscape of healthcare advancement? Let's delve into this transformative concept. Unveiling Social Innovation Social innovation is the dynamic process of creating and implementing novel and effective solutions to address social or environmental challenges. These solutions need not necessarily manifest as national policies; they simply need to meet current social needs more effectively than their predecessors. Governments and non-governmental entities alike can propose and champion these innovative solutions. The Ro...

Social innovation has emerged as a prominent discipline worldwide, attracting a diverse range of students interested in studying it. This phenomenon has not only brought improvements to business enterprises but has also contributed to the advancement of various sectors within society. Social innovation management encompasses the process of developing and implementing effective solutions to address social issues. It necessitates the collaboration of individuals who possess critical thinking skills and innovative capabilities to identify the most efficient solutions while minimizing risks. The Influence of Social Innovation Management on Businesses The definition of social innovation management varies among individuals. To arrive at effective and innovative solutions, it is crucial to consult employees within a business and integrate different definitions. Proper management of social innovation ideas can yield substantial returns for businesses and play a pivotal role in their developmen...

In recent times, the concept of social innovation has gained significant prominence, as individuals step beyond societal norms to bring about positive change for the masses. Aspiring students are increasingly drawn to courses in social innovation, eager to explore the various types of social innovation prevalent today. Their motivation stems from a deep desire to make a profound and unprecedented impact on the world. Before embarking on a journey of innovation, let us delve into the true meaning of social innovation. What Defines Social Innovation? Social innovation revolves around the creation of groundbreaking ideas aimed at driving change and solving problems through diverse mediums. It entails utilizing creativity to seek solutions that enhance the overall well-being of people. By embracing different perspectives from both the affected and those aspiring to create an impact, social innovation fosters the development of ingenious and imaginative solutions. This transformative proces...

Human beings are adaptive species. When our ancestors came on earth millions of years ago, the place was already inhabited by other species and kinds of organisms. However, as we began evolving and began using social innovation, we got the edge over others around us. The comfortable life we are living today is an outcome of thousands of prior generations' hard work and efforts. Thus, the responsibility to construct a sustainable environment for our future generations falls on our shoulders.  Now, what is social innovation? - It consists of various methods to fulfill the arising needs of a developing society. The concept is universally applicable and has multiple definitions. As a field, it is interdisciplinary, involving a wide range of topics.  Evolution of Social Innovation for Sustainable Living  Social innovation is not the latest trend. Humans have been practicing this since the dawn of time. Millions of years ago, ape-like humans first discovered the use of fire and...

 About this Course From time immemorial, there have always been a few individuals who have risen above mere personal gain, to devote their lives to solving pressing social and environmental ills plaguing society. They did this by employing innovative new methods that were hitherto unknown, or known but not applied. Going by that definition, the Father of our nation,Mahatma Gandhi, can be considered as one of India’s first social entrepreneurs. “Start-ups are more than commercial success stories. They are powerful examples of Social Innovation”  Social innovation: Is the practice of using creativity to develop solutions which improve the well being of people & society. It promotes collaborative action, creative thinking & innovative action to address social need. It uses the experience & insight of those impacted & those concerned to come up with new solutions & approaches. It is a way of making change. How you make that change is as important as what change...