Laužikas, Mindaugas

This article aims to reveal the essential of the impact of social innovations on the different groups of benefiters and designs the methodological model for the further investigation of effects of social innovations in such knowledge-intensive business sectors as biotechnologies or nanotechnologies. Starting our article from the Schumpeterian trilogy and the P. Drucker’s consideration of the innovation, we position the social innovation among other types of innovations, based on different classifications, as well as present the most common and logical interpretation of the social innovation in the context of the knowledge economy. The scrutinized social impacts, derived from the product, process and service innovations and new trends in the Social policy within the EU point at the importance of simultaneous efforts of carrying on activities in all the policies or focusing on long-term economic and social goals. It is important to note that the EU support programs are important sources of funding innovative companies; its value continuously increased during the period 2008-2010. Though the profitability is one of the most important strategic goals for the majority of businesses in the short term, it could be socially jeopardizing, having no sufficient financial and human resources allocated close to social innovative projects, in the long term.

This article aims to create the model of social innovations, as we call it the paradox of “Dragon-butterfly hybrid,” which describes the impact off social innovations on different social targeted groups, social business and public sector in Lithuania. Starting our article from the concept of social innovation, which is in line with the P. Drucker’s consideration of the innovation (invention, innovation and diffusion of products, process and services) we position the social innovation among other types of innovations, based on the social cooperation among different social groups, which generates innovative social outcomes beneficial to both the society and the economy. In addition, social innovations promote social changes in the economy and society and it plays an important role of development in the emerging market of Lithuania. Within our model there are social impacts, derived from social innovations, and new trends in the social policy within the EU scrutinized by focusing on long-term economic and social goals. It is necessary to note that the EU support programs are important sources of funding innovative companies. Therefore, funding is the priority for the majority of business and public organisations and only then we find the concern of social issues and the public welfare. However, if there is no EU or state funding available at all, the social responsibility of companies and public organisations ends up.

The aim of the present research is to present a set of main patterns, related to the combination of innovation and human resource strategies in the information technology sector in Lithuania. To raise productivity, competitiveness and growth potential of modern economies, business innovation appears crucial; however, these objectives are not likely to be achieved without allocating necessary human resources to innovation projects and introducing an appropriate human resource strategy. Survey results have clearly shown a correlation between variables tightly related to the combination of innovation and human resource strategies; these variables include the percentage of employees with doctorate and master degrees in the total headcount, disparity of net average salaries, investment in research and development, the value-added net profit generated from research and development, the percentage of commercialized innovative ideas, and other important factors. The main findings of the research have also contributed to the identification of the strengths and weaknesses of Lithuanian information technology (IT) companies. It is tempting to believe that this research will serve both the Lithuanian government and Lithuanian enterprises as a platform to discuss, analyze and launch innovation policy initiatives supporting the combination of innovation and human resource strategies.