ABSTRACT
Social intrapreneurs perceive global challenges such as financial inclusion, water scarcity and regional development not as problems, but as an inspiration for innovation. Social intrapreneurism and sustainable innovations depend, however, on a number of factors. First, the characteristics of the individual—our social intrapreneurs. The second important aspect for having success with social intrapreneurism rests with the internal organisational environment. The third important aspect is the external enabling environment. Social intrapreneurs, like great jazz musicians, excel at exchanging and developing new ideas in informal exchanges with colleagues. Similarly, successful social intrapreneurs tend to be great communicators, unlike out-of-control 'soloists' who 'preach' about sustainability without hearing the needs of the business. Social intrapreneurs 'listen' to what others in the business say they need, 'accompanying' them as needed. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
