Cases of Social Innovation

Abstract

Social innovation refers to new social practices derived from collective, intentional, goal-oriented, and legitimated actions aiming at social change with new social practices and unique systems to address social problems. It is micro-level innovation with a specific scope for a defined group. During the past few decades, Taiwanese society has gone through rapid changes in its politics, economy and social needs. It is in such an environment that a wide variety of voluntary and nonprofit organizations (NPO) has gradually increased in number and has continuously pursued market orientation while striving to fulfill their social welfare objectives. This chapter introduces four real social enterprises with social innovation in Taiwan, namely, the Paper Windmill Theater for children, NCCU EMBA-NPO for farmers, the Taiwan Taxi Academy Association for taxi drivers, and the Four Way Voice for migrants.