Introduction

Innovation and incubation are no longer limited to technological or science-based business perspective, rather, there has been a move towards social innovations and incubators focused on supporting ventures to develop these types of innovations.  These innovations are important for society as they focus on public interest and common good and in strengthening the bonds of trust between citizens.  They also find new solutions and approaches to address sustainability issues within societies. 

Ventures that look to develop social innovations are often driven by social entrepreneurs, who form social ventures (SEs) and they often work through a market based approach.  They take on the risks and efforts to create a positive change in society.  As such, their main goal is not profit, rather to implement widespread improvements in society. 

This e-study will guide readers through the incubation process, explore the concept of social innovation and the situation in Hong Kong as well as how incubators fit in with the greater social innovation ecosystem and contribute to sustainability. 

 

Learning objectives:

1. To understand the concept of incubation and its utility in developing social innovation

2. To understand how social innovation can contribute to sustainability and the role of incubators in this process

3. To be able to describe the processes of incubation

4. To be able to outline the key features of incubation for sustainability innovations

5. To understand the difficulties in measuring success of incubation and how these can be managed

 

Contents:

• Incubators and social innovation for sustainability

• Innovation and incubation in Hong Kong

• Stages of incubation

• Key features of incubation for sustainability innovation

• Measuring impact and success

• Building innovative ecosystems

 

Continue to “Session 1: Incubators and social innovation for sustainability”