Social innovation capital in the digital social enterprise context

Purpose Pursuing the social innovation capital (SIC) in the digital social enterprise (DSE) context is the new hot topic. It involves a blended value creation, social mission and the use of digital technologies. DSE is distinguished by a traditional social enterprise for fully embracing digital technologies such as AI, augmented reality and virtual reality in their business model. There still is the gap on how DSE generate innovation capital by the involvement of the community. By adopting the lens of the creating shared value, the five actions of innovating and civic wealth creation models, the new conceptual framework illustrates how DSEs can exploit business opportunities generated by social needs, providing SIC and adjusting enterprises' human capital to the digital context. Design/methodology/approach The existing new conceptual approach is based on theory building supported by logical arguments of the existing theory in intellectual capital and entrepreneurship. Findings The findings present a new framework to generate SIC. The framework is developed by employing a conceptual building theory approach. DSEs learn, adapt and innovate by a collective approach and embracing the use of digital technologies that would get companies more efficient in achieving their social goals. Originality/value Originally contributing to both intellectual capital and entrepreneurial literature, the research stimulates new discussion on DSE and SIC. Examples of best practices are offered to reduce digital divide, social exclusion, poverty and income inequality and generate new knowledge “by and for” an enterprise, involving the community.