Excepting isolated societies—of which there are few in a globalizing economy, it has been the hallmark of the human species that generations contend in turn with co-evolving (and sometimes drastic) economic, environmental, political, social, and technological change.

A select list of the worldwide challenges we face includes alleviating poverty; mitigating and adapting to climate change; ending abuse of natural resources and the environment; cleaning up environmental pollution; dealing with natural disasters; countering medical challenges, e.g., pandemics; encouraging disarmament; coping with security threats; accommodating nonstate power; handling failed states; tapping capacity for social action; allaying frustration among minorities; confronting violence; identifying global rights; building a global rule of law; evolving regulatory and institutional frameworks to contain global financial and economic crises; optimizing international trade; managing mass migrations; employing human resources better; and optimizing knowledge. The approval by the United Nations of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in September 2016 (see Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development), is proof enough that  the world community now wishes to balance economic, social, and environmental drivers in areas of critical importance to humanity and the planet.

Sparking Social Innovations, available at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/254583180_Sparking_Social_Innovations, argues that the demand for good ideas, put into practice, that meet pressing unmet needs and improve people’s lives is growing on a par with the agenda of the 21st century. In a shrinking world, social innovation at requisite institutional levels can do much to foster smart, sustainable globalization.

Article Sparking Social Innovations

In your experience, what is the main role of innovation in society nowadays and why do we believe in it?

Innovation has transformed the way we think, the way we do things as well as the way we interlock with others in society.  For example, through idea economy or sharing economy that has enabled by various technologies - new ideas of innovation have changed how the new business process unfolds, how fast to bring an idea goes to market that will impact human lives economically, socially etc.  

We can embrace innovation because through previous example i.e. in idea economy or sharing economy, companies like Uber can offer taxi services without owning a taxi, Airbnb offers hotel services without owning a hotel etc. are the evidence of innovation. 

Dear Mr. Rodriguez,

I think innovation can help improve quality of life, and protect the environment. For example, from the article I've attached below,  Saijo Denki of Thailand has adopted A/C technology that is based on a lower global warming HFC gas, R-32. According to the article,

"New R-32 based A/C units cut the GHG impact by nearly 70%, are 5 to 10% more energy efficient than the old HCFC-based units, and have a 10% higher cooling capacity."

So this innovation brought into the country will benefit consumers, leaving more money in their pocket, as well as join hands with the world to help sustain the environment.  

The full article can be found on the following link:

http://blogs.worldbank.org/climatechange/cool-innovation-thailand-good-business-good-climate

Sincerely,

Cameen