Digital transformation and social change: Leadership strategies for responsible innovation

The intersection of digital transformation and social change presents a complex landscape for contemporary business leaders. This study explores the experiences of managers from innovative start-ups in Italy, focusing on their strategies for responsible innovation. Through in-depth interviews, key challenges such as rapid technological change, scalability issues, and ethical considerations are identified. The findings highlight the importance of continuous learning, agile business models, and stakeholder engagement. Future scenarios, including the rise of tech-driven social enterprises and decentralized systems, are discussed, emphasizing the need for collaborative partnerships. This research provides practical insights for integrating technological advancement with societal impact. • CEOs face rapid technological changes, scalability issues, and ethical challenges. • This study employs in-depth interviews with leaders for detailed analysis. • Key strategies include continuous learning, agile design, and co-innovation. • Future trends involve tech-driven social enterprises and decentralized systems. • Findings suggest organizations adopting responsible innovation practices.