Economic development is rooted in rupture and not in equilibrium. Innovation acts as a powerful engine of economic development. This book asks if it is always for the common good. The dark side of the extraordinary dynamism of innovation lies precisely in its destructive power. If simply left to market forces, it might cause social havoc and great human suffering.

To face the challenges of our time, we must create the proper climate and culture to develop strong entrepreneurial drive. But, more than ever, we must give this entrepreneurial drive its ethical and societal dimensions. Responsible innovation means a more voluntary orientation towards the great problems of the 21st Century: depletion of the planet's resources, rising inequalities, new scientific development potentially threatening freedom, democracy and human integrity. We need to transform our increasing creativity into real progress for mankind. In this respect, the rapid development of social innovations opens new ways and practices.

De Woot challenges conventional ways of thinking. The book has the power to shift accepted norms in the ways of doing business.