Disrupting for Good: Social Innovation Management and Technological Advancements
In the context of an increasingly rapid global transformation, social innovation and disruptive technologies have emerged as two powerful drivers of change, capable of redefining business models, competitive strategies, and economic development dynamics. No longer confined to the nonprofit sector, social innovation has become a strategic priority for for-profit enterprises as well. By integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital platforms, companies can generate significant social impact, enhance their competitive positioning, and foster long-term market resilience.
Simultaneously, disruptive technologies serve as a fundamental enabler of social innovation, accelerating the development of new services, expanding access to resources, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth models. The interplay between these two forces not only stimulates new entrepreneurial opportunities and fosters innovative business models, but also enables a proactive response to global challenges, including climate change, social inequality, and the transformation of labor markets. This convergence facilitates a harmonious balance between technological progress, social impact, and environmental sustainability.
This monograph explores the synergies between social innovation and disruptive technologies, emphasizing how digital transformation can create measurable economic value for businesses while simultaneously enhancing quality of life and fostering equitable and sustainable socio-economic development. The strategic adoption of disruptive technologies is no longer merely a tool for operational efficiency; it has evolved into a catalyst for social innovation, enabling businesses to proactively address emerging societal needs while building a more responsible and sustainability-oriented corporate identity.
Technological solutions such as AI-driven ethical decision-making, blockchain for transparency and financial inclusion, and IoT-enabled environmental resource optimization are already revolutionizing business models, allowing companies to integrate economic, social, and environmental sustainability criteria into their core strategies. However, this transformation presents complex challenges, including the imperative for responsible digital governance, the mitigation of the technological divide, and the management of risks associated with digital transitions.
Through a rigorous and analytical approach, this monograph aims to address critical research questions, including:
How can disruptive technologies amplify social innovation processes and generate tangible economic value for businesses?
Which emerging business models successfully integrate social impact with digital transformation in a sustainable manner?
What methodologies can be employed to measure and evaluate the economic, social, and environmental effects of the convergence between disruptive technologies and social innovation?
To provide comprehensive insights into these questions, this volume is structured into eight CHAPTERs, each dedicated to a key dimension of the phenomenon. The discussion spans from the foundational theories of social innovation to the development of a strategic framework positioning management thinking as a driver for creating synergies between social innovation and technological advancements, to strategies for leveraging disruptive innovation for social good, the impact on business models, and methodologies for assessing the economic and social value derived from this intersection.
The central challenge of our era is not merely to innovate but to do so strategically, responsibly, and sustainably, harnessing the transformative potential of disruptive technologies to generate long-term economic and social value.
With this objective in mind, this monograph is intended for academics, policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, serving as a foundational resource for understanding, analyzing, and leveraging the convergence of social innovation and disruptive technologies. It provides practical frameworks and methodologies to interpret contemporary economic dynamics and design forward-looking strategies for success.
