Innovation ecosystems in Brazil: Promoting social entrepreneurship and sustainability

Abstract

We highlight cases of organizations that promote social entrepreneurship and sustainability in Brazil through initiatives that support the ecosystem of innovation. An innovation ecosystem comprises not only the core innovator, but also stakeholders including suppliers, customers, and organizations that develop the infrastructure or provide complementary services in different industries or communities. From the perspective of an innovation ecosystem, it is important to consider not only how an individual or organization solves innovation challenges, but also how this individual or organization interacts with stakeholders and organizational partners to stimulate innovation. The chapter focuses on two cases that showcase two sets of concerns: innovation and sustainability in the value chain; and social entrepreneurship and microfinance. These cases suggest that organizations supporting social innovation ecosystems can foster the startup and growth of social enterprises. These cases may serve as a guide for how other organizations can develop their own approaches to enrich their local innovation ecosystems. This chapter offers a novel approach to the understanding of social entrepreneurship in the context of an emerging economy by addressing the connection between innovation ecosystems and social entrepreneurship.