Social innovation refers to new strategies, concepts, ideas and organizations that meet various kinds of social needs.

The responsibility of the social innovator is to contribute to improving human wellbeing and livelihood by designing models for peoples' needs, rather than their wants.

The ImpactLives model of social innovation assess and evaluates:

• What are the current needs?
• Are there existing agencies or organizations effectively meeting those needs?
• Is there still a gap between needs and available services?
• Even if needs are being met, can the services be improved?

ImpactLives then helps to create and develop sustainable solutions in a developmental rather than relief model.