Social Innovation and Grassroots Economy in Thailand

Abstract

This study of social innovation and its role in driving Thailand’s grassroots economy examines success motivation factors. Mechanisms and processes involved in creating social innovation in 101 community businesses and organizations are evaluated. The goal is to identify local community social innovation models following principles of self-sustained economic development. Results are that community organizations achieve success by integrating self-management capabilities with social capital and business management, with community enterprises serving as the primary driving force. By contrast, business success is driven by a framework incorporating social issues, with social enterprises acting as key mechanisms. Community organizations create social innovation by linking products to the market system, while businesses develop innovations in an expanded framework. Both community organizations and businesses are readjusting successful projects to match an emergent new economy driven by grassroots efforts contributing to value creation alongside the centrally driven economy.