Exploring Social Enterprises’ Innovation Capabilities in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This paper explores the social enterprise (SE) innovation capabilities for driving the achievement of social orientation. SE is vital as the third sector economy that addresses on the social, economic and environment agenda. Studying the phenomena of social entrepreneurship and explaining the social enterprises' unique behaviors, characteristics, and typologies will advance research for creating sustainable public wealth. Using the qualitative study method, we propose product/service innovation, process innovation, management innovation and marketing management as the model in driving for social enterprise to achieve their social impacts. The model offers an opportunity for evaluation and validation via other research technique. Ultimately, it could be used to steer more research agenda and contribute to social enterprises sustainability as the third sector economy.