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Philanthropy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

An Introduction

  • Provides a concise, readable account of an important social phenomenon
  • Presents an informed review of the key contributions of, and controversies in, philanthropy
  • Adopts a multi-disciplinary and international perspective
  • Features case studies and vignettes on leading philanthropists and philanthropic organizations, past and present
  • Analyzes the close connections between philanthropy, innovation and entrepreneurship

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Table of contents (5 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xi
  2. Who Are Philanthropists and Why Do They Give?

    • Mark Dodgson, David Gann
    Pages 17-34
  3. Philanthropy and Innovation

    • Mark Dodgson, David Gann
    Pages 35-64
  4. The Governance of Philanthropy

    • Mark Dodgson, David Gann
    Pages 65-91
  5. Controversies and Future Challenges

    • Mark Dodgson, David Gann
    Pages 93-110
  6. Back Matter

    Pages 111-119

About this book

Intended as an essential introduction to philanthropy, this book provides a balanced, analytical, interdisciplinary overview of a complex, and often controversial, topic. Using case studies to illustrate the narrative, it covers everything from the history of individual, sometimes eccentric, philanthropists, to the controversies and challenges of ‘philanthrocapitalism’.

This book explores philanthropists and their motivations: who are they and why do they give their money away? It explains what philanthropy does: its history and scope, and the impacts it has in areas such as science and the arts. The governance of philanthropy is explored: how decisions are reached about donations and their accountability. The book addresses the major controversies surrounding philanthropy, and discusses the difficulties involved in giving and receiving, e.g. the importance of ensuring that these processes are transparent and accountable. Lastly, the book considers the future of philanthropy, especially its changing role in society and the disruptive impact of digital technologies.


Given its scope, the book offers a valuable resource for researchers interested in philanthropy, innovation and entrepreneurship, the motivations for individual and corporate donations, and the business of giving in general.


Authors and Affiliations

  • The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia

    Mark Dodgson

  • Imperial College London, London, UK

    David Gann

About the authors

Mark Dodgson is Professor of Innovation Studies at the University of Queensland, Australia and Visiting Professor at Imperial College London, UK.

David Gann is Professor of Technology and Innovation Management, Imperial College London, UK and Chair of the UK Atomic Energy Authority. Until recently, he was Vice-President (Innovation) at Imperial College.

The authors have held numbers of positions in universities, businesses, and artistic organizations with responsibilities for either attracting or dispersing philanthropic funds.

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: Philanthropy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

  • Book Subtitle: An Introduction

  • Authors: Mark Dodgson, David Gann

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38017-5

  • Publisher: Palgrave Pivot Cham

  • eBook Packages: Business and Management, Business and Management (R0)

  • Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020

  • Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-030-38016-8Published: 30 January 2020

  • Softcover ISBN: 978-3-030-38019-9Published: 30 January 2021

  • eBook ISBN: 978-3-030-38017-5Published: 29 January 2020

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: XI, 119

  • Number of Illustrations: 1 b/w illustrations, 2 illustrations in colour

  • Topics: Non-Profit Organizations and Public Enterprises, Corporate Social Responsibility, Faith, Spirituality and Business

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 69.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 69.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access