Socially responsible innovations and sustainable development of retail chains in Poland

Purpose: The main aim of this paper is to identify the specificity of socially responsible innovations in retail against the background of sustainable development, and to identify examples of socially responsible innovations implemented by selected retail chains in Poland. In the Author's opinion, they are crucial for the development of a responsible society, but also for a sustainable economy. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology applied in the article refers to the methodological canon of management sciences, including, among others, conceptual-theoretical and empirical research methodology. On their basis a critical analysis of foreign and Polish literature in the field of management science, theory of development and functioning of the retail trade has been carried out. The analyzed cases of retail chains were considered representative due to their strong market position and large contribution to the development of the FMCG market (the so-called "best business practices") - for this purpose, the qualitative research methodology was applied, including a case study. Findings: The analysis conducted in this paper indicates that large retail chains are creating socially responsible innovations, thus having a significant impact on the spread of socially responsible practices. These activities are mainly based on shaping the environmental awareness of employees and customers, increasing the safety and quality of products, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, effective waste management, rational use of natural resources, reducing staff turnover and improving their working conditions. Originality/value: The article presents how the literature on management science describes and explains the essence, specificity, and types of socially responsible innovations against the background of the sustainable development concept. On this solid factual basis, socially responsible innovations implemented by selected retail chains in Poland were identified. This allowed to verify theoretical assumptions related to the development of socially responsible innovations with the actual state of affairs, reflected in the analyzed practices of retail chains.