Ethics of social innovation

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the main reasons for social innovations to be successful in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach - In this paper, four famous cases of social innovation are studied and contrasted in the following dimensions: goals, means and skills/resources needed by the user. Findings - Exemplary social innovations do not have profit as their primary objective but emphasize social, spiritual and humanitarian goals such as minimizing suffering, empowering people and strengthening local communities. Originality/value - The paper shows that sensitivity to local culture and an ethos for serving the common good are preconditions of successful and lasting social innovations by business.