Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Social Innovation Gives Companies Competitive Edge
Businesses are facing more challenges like supply chain problems and changing consumer expectations.
Social innovation helps companies grow by making them more resilient.
It means doing good for society while also making money.
For example, Tencent uses its platforms to help with climate and health issues, and Belterra Agroflorestas helps farmers in Brazil.
Many companies are investing in social innovation because it helps them stay strong and competitive.
They are spending money and providing support to make their supply chains more stable and their operations more sustainable.
This way, businesses can grow while also helping society.
Social innovation aligns commercial objectives with measurable societal outcomes, helping businesses build resilience and competitive advantage.
Social issues account for 18% of all material supply chain events, making them a significant source of disruption.
Companies like Tencent and Belterra Agroflorestas are embedding social outcomes into their products and supply chains.
The Rise Ahead Pledge encourages companies to commit to financial and non-financial social innovation support.
Investment in social innovation is increasing, with $525 million invested by 25 signatories in 2024, and 36% of that going to social procurement.
- Who
- Companies like Tencent, Belterra Agroflorestas, CJ Group, Lenovo, Northwell Health, and Prosus
- What
- Embracing social innovation to build resilience and competitive advantage
- When
- Ongoing, with significant actions and investments in 2024 and 2025
- Where
- Globally, with specific examples from Brazil, Korea, and other regions
- Why
- To secure supply chains, retain trust, access emerging markets, and reduce long-term operational risk
- Social Innovation
- Aligns commercial objectives with measurable societal outcomes
- Supply Chain Disruptions
- Social issues account for 18% of all material supply chain events
- Rise Ahead Pledge
- Companies commit to financial and non-financial social innovation support
- Social Procurement
- Purchasing from companies prioritizing people and planet
- Investment in Social Innovation
- $525 million invested by 25 signatories in 2024
- Social Procurement Spending
- 36% of total social innovation investment
- Non-Financial Support
- Skills, expertise, and in-kind contributions
- Financial Support
- 23% of total social innovation spend