This is What Indonesian Social and Creative Entrepreneurs Need to Grow Their Businesses

British Council research indicates three key indicators for developing the performance of social and creative entrepreneurs: innovation, creativity, and idea generation.

The research surveyed 1,388 companies using both in-person and online methods. Based on typology, there were 332 social enterprises; 435 creative enterprises; and 211 companies combining both social and creative entrepreneurship.

The results show that respondents most frequently cited creativity and idea generation as the most important factors for business development. These two indicators were considered equally important by 99% of social and creative entrepreneurs. Innovation was chosen by 98%.

A breakdown by indicator and proportion shows: innovation was selected by 98% of social and creative entrepreneurs; 72% of social entrepreneurs; 75% of creative entrepreneurs; and 61% of others.

Creativity was selected by 99% of social and creative entrepreneurs; 75% of social entrepreneurs; 75% of creative entrepreneurs; and 62% of others.

Idea generation was selected by 99% of social and creative entrepreneurs; 76% of social entrepreneurs; 74% of creative entrepreneurs; and 60% of others.

"Thus, it appears that the focus of social and creative [entrepreneurs] is related to idea generation and creativity, especially when both are combined," the research team wrote in their 2020 report, *Creative and Social Enterprise in Indonesia*.

In addition to examining key indicators for business progress, the research team also investigated companies' efforts in business expansion, including investment in internal activities; research and development (R&D); or any design processes over the past three years.

The research team views R&D as creative work undertaken within an organization that can increase knowledge to develop new and improved goods, services, and processes. Similar research and development can also be obtained or purchased from third parties.

"In Indonesia, research and development is not a priority for many companies. This is consistent with the findings of the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index, which ranks Indonesia low in innovation," the research team wrote.

Processes can be understood as involvement in all forms of design activities, including strategic activities, for the development or implementation of new or improved goods, services, and processes.