108
S. A. Santos et al.
1 Introduction
The understanding of the “innovation” concept goes through many variables, until the
present days. One of them concerns to the competitiveness of the market. This notion
has given rise to a broader conceptualization of the expression, which is related to the
collective imagination, that is, the innovation that generates changes in the collective
and it has been treated as “social innovation”.
In this particular context, André and Abreu (2006) understand that, in recent years,
the term has become more relevant, with proportional growth to its appearance in
various fields. Proof of this, according to the authors, is that “in the literature about
social innovation are, in fact, especially recurrent the third sector initiatives aimed
at combating social exclusion” (André and Abreu 2006, p. 123).
In this way, Juliani (2014) states that, considering the expansion of the expression
in discussions and publications in various contexts, not only universities have established research centers about the subject, but also private foundations and institutions
began to develop actions that focused on social innovation.
“Innovation” means, according to Michaelis Dictionary, “making innovations,
innovate, produce or make something new, renew, restore”.
1 In fact, innovation is
seen as a synonym of novelty in many different means of communication. “The popularization of the term took away its initial meaning established by Joseph Schumpeter—and until today it is used as a basic concept in most academic studies on the
subject—that innovation is linked to the generation of economic value”, according
to Bignetti (2011, p. 4). According to the author, it is unquestionable that the rise of a
global economy forces the companies to innovate constantly, and academic research
on the subject intended to precisely analyze the phenomenon and understand how
companies remain competitive.
The commitment of companies to sustainability has often been discussed in theory and practice. For Engert et al. (2016), the commitment to corporate sustainability
requires a strategic approach to ensure that business sustainability becomes an integral part of business strategy and processes.
In the business environment, ecological and social issues are factors that promote
changes, the companies increase their interest in corporate sustainability (Moon
2007; Baumgartner 2014; Barnett et al. 2015). Considering the Triple Bottom Line
as a broader concept of sustainable development, it relies on the integration of social,
environmental and economic issues (Elkington 2011). The three pillars theory gives
a broad view of each pillar and their challenges, as well as proposes a reflection on
the importance of sustainability.
To face these challenges and achieve the three pillars theory, executives must
examine current performance and future goals, and that will require drastic changes.
The human development and the consumption that are explored by the capitalism
have caused a great concern and reflection for the society and for the organizations
(Elkington 2011).
1 https://michaelis.uol.com.br/moderno-portugues/busca/portugues-brasileiro/inovar/.
S. A. Santos et al.
1 Introduction
The understanding of the “innovation” concept goes through many variables, until the
present days. One of them concerns to the competitiveness of the market. This notion
has given rise to a broader conceptualization of the expression, which is related to the
collective imagination, that is, the innovation that generates changes in the collective
and it has been treated as “social innovation”.
In this particular context, André and Abreu (2006) understand that, in recent years,
the term has become more relevant, with proportional growth to its appearance in
various fields. Proof of this, according to the authors, is that “in the literature about
social innovation are, in fact, especially recurrent the third sector initiatives aimed
at combating social exclusion” (André and Abreu 2006, p. 123).
In this way, Juliani (2014) states that, considering the expansion of the expression
in discussions and publications in various contexts, not only universities have established research centers about the subject, but also private foundations and institutions
began to develop actions that focused on social innovation.
“Innovation” means, according to Michaelis Dictionary, “making innovations,
innovate, produce or make something new, renew, restore”.
1 In fact, innovation is
seen as a synonym of novelty in many different means of communication. “The popularization of the term took away its initial meaning established by Joseph Schumpeter—and until today it is used as a basic concept in most academic studies on the
subject—that innovation is linked to the generation of economic value”, according
to Bignetti (2011, p. 4). According to the author, it is unquestionable that the rise of a
global economy forces the companies to innovate constantly, and academic research
on the subject intended to precisely analyze the phenomenon and understand how
companies remain competitive.
The commitment of companies to sustainability has often been discussed in theory and practice. For Engert et al. (2016), the commitment to corporate sustainability
requires a strategic approach to ensure that business sustainability becomes an integral part of business strategy and processes.
In the business environment, ecological and social issues are factors that promote
changes, the companies increase their interest in corporate sustainability (Moon
2007; Baumgartner 2014; Barnett et al. 2015). Considering the Triple Bottom Line
as a broader concept of sustainable development, it relies on the integration of social,
environmental and economic issues (Elkington 2011). The three pillars theory gives
a broad view of each pillar and their challenges, as well as proposes a reflection on
the importance of sustainability.
To face these challenges and achieve the three pillars theory, executives must
examine current performance and future goals, and that will require drastic changes.
The human development and the consumption that are explored by the capitalism
have caused a great concern and reflection for the society and for the organizations
(Elkington 2011).
1 https://michaelis.uol.com.br/moderno-portugues/busca/portugues-brasileiro/inovar/.