Abstract

CASSIM, SB. Creativity and Innovation in Social Entrepreneurship: A case study of the Champions Programme in South Africa. JCMAN [online]. 2018, vol.15, n.spe, pp.171-191. ISSN 1815-7440.

This article explores the concept of social entrepreneurship in the context of its potential to contribute to economic growth and development in South Africa, a country typified by significant social and sustainable development challenges. It focuses on the importance of creativity and innovation in social entrepreneurship to this end. One technique/element of creativity and innovation, namely design thinking is explored. Design thinking is a human centred approach to innovation that was traditionally applied in business to product design, service design, and information system design to create new and innovative business offerings. The article reflects on the application of the principles of design thinking in a social entrepreneurship development intervention, called the Champions Programme at the University of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. The article demonstrates the application of design thinking on a group of marginalized, previously disadvantaged community members and illustrates the positive impact of the design thinking methodology on the offerings/products; business models, processes, markets and/or services in the social enterprises participating in the programme over a period of the past 4 years of offering the programme.

Keywords : Design thinking; reflective practice; social entrepreneurship and South Africa.

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