Social innovation often begins with a positive intention: to solve a problem, support a community, raise awareness, or create new opportunities. However, good intentions are not enough. A solution can still create risks if it does not consider the people affected, the context, the possible consequences, and the power relations involved. 

Please read the article “Why you should care about ethical social innovation and how it can be tackled”. As you read, pay attention to why ethics should be considered from the beginning of the innovation process, especially when working with vulnerable or marginalized groups. 

While reading, keep these guiding questions in mind: 

Can a solution unintentionally harm someone?
Whose needs are being prioritized?
Who is included in decision-making?
Who may be left out?
Is the solution fair, inclusive, accessible, and sustainable? 

You may also read the additional article “Ethics in Innovation, a Key Pillar for the Future”as an optional resource. This second article can help you think more broadly about why innovation should be responsible, human-centered, and connected to positive social impact. 

Try to remember one key idea from the reading. You will use it in the next activity, where you will analyze short ethical dilemma scenarios and reflect on what could go wrong when social innovation is not designed carefully.