"Social innovation to me means going back to the root of what business means. It is about where society and business can interact to address societal needs and have a business benefit. But from an innovation side, it's how do you find disruptive solutions that really addresses it, bring business benefits to it, and societal benefits, for now and for the future as well." -- Henk Campher
What is social innovation?
Henk Campher previously worked at the International Business Leaders Forum, a London based non-profit that develops CR policy and strategy solutions for many of the world’s leading companies. He has also worked with corporations including Nestle, Unilever, Shell, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Pfizer, Rio Tinto, Diageo, and SABMiller to develop innovative policies and programs in areas such as workforce issues, product responsibility, supply chains, social investment, public policy and stakeholder engagement.
In addition, Henk has worked closely with international development agencies and organizations, including the UNDP, USAID, G8, Global Business Coalition on HIV/Aids and World Economic Forum to help shape the role of business in development.
Campher also intimately knows the role of the non-governmental organization (NGO) community in pressing companies for change. As policy advisor at Oxfam Great Britain, one of the world’s most respected anti-poverty organizations, Henk worked to engage private sector leaders such as Kraft, Marks & Spencer, BP, and Procter & Gamble on CR issues and initiatives. He also has extensive NGO experience in his native South Africa, including serving as a special advisor to the Nelson Mandela-initiated Proudly South African campaign, and serving on that nation’s ministerial team to the World Trade Organization.