New Business Models: CSR Driven Innovations

This lecture explores the evolution of business models towards social responsibility, emphasizing the shift from profit-maximization to a dual-bottom line approach. It discusses the emergence of hybrid organizations, the strategic importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and the adoption of business methods by non-profits. The framework presented delves into the trade-offs between financial gains and social impacts, highlighting the need for innovative models that balance these objectives. Case studies such as low-cost heart surgery in India and initiatives by companies like Patagonia and The Body Shop illustrate these trade-offs. The lecture also examines how investors can optimize their strategies by combining charitable and corporate investments, aiming for an optimal balance between social and financial outcomes.