Ideation to Generate Social Value: How Different Types of Social Enterprises Ideate to Develop Social Innovation. A comparative case study of organizational approaches to social innovation

Abstract

This thesis investigates how different types of early-stage social enterprises in Sweden engage in ideation processes to develop social innovation. Against the backdrop of growing societal challenges and increased emphasis on systemic change, social entrepreneurship has emerged as a critical force for creating transformative solutions. While social innovation differs from traditional innovation by emphasizing social impact over commercial gain, the pathways through which early ideas evolve into impactful initiatives remain underexplored, particularly within the Swedish context. Drawing on Abu-Saifan’s (2012) Social Entrepreneurship Spectrum and Goffin and Mitchell’s (2017) Pentathlon Framework, the study examines five Swedish social enterprises, each positioned differently along the non-profit and for-profit continuum. Through qualitative interviews, the research reveals how organizational missions, strategic orientations, and entrepreneurial characteristics influence ideation processes across four dimensions: People, Process, Place, and Product. By exploring how social entrepreneurs generate and shape early-stage ideas, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how mission-driven innovation is developed in practice. It highlights the balancing act required to maintain a social mission while adopting market-based mechanisms, offering insights into how ideation strategies can scale and contribute to long-term societal change. Ultimately, the research aims to inform policymakers, practitioners, and aspiring social entrepreneurs on best practices that strengthen Sweden’s social innovation ecosystem, promoting more inclusive and sustainable development.