Proposing a Framework: Nine Pillars, Four Concepts

The path from traditional corporate social responsibility to transformative social impact requires a comprehensive framework—one that integrates the challenges and opportunities of our AI-driven, attention-saturated world into a holistic vision for business in the 21st century. What I'm sharing here is a proposed structure, not a finished solution. I believe these elements are critical, but I'm eager to hear from other thought leaders about what's missing, what needs refinement, and how we can collectively strengthen this approach.

The Nine Proposed Pillars

I'm proposing nine interconnected pillars that could work synergistically to create meaningful change. Each represents an area where I believe companies need to evolve their thinking and practice:

1. AI Ethics and Governance - Ensuring responsible AI development that amplifies human potential rather than exploits vulnerabilities

2. The Digital Artisan - Cultivating skills that combine technical proficiency with uniquely human capabilities

3. New Funding Models - Democratizing capital through ESG priorities and blended finance approaches

4. Community and Social Impact - Moving beyond digital superficiality to create authentic local connections

5. Frameworks and Metrics - Developing new ways to measure genuine impact beyond traditional CSR metrics

6. Social Entrepreneurship and Education - Supporting purpose-driven careers and increasing success rates for social ventures

7. Regenerative and Indigenous Wisdom - Incorporating traditional knowledge and regenerative practices into modern approaches

8. Regenerative Capitalism - Creating business models where social and environmental outcomes drive profitability

9. Attention Economy Navigation - Building platforms optimized for understanding rather than engagement

Four Communication Concepts

To make this framework more accessible and actionable, I'm proposing that these nine pillars organize into four key concepts. But I'm curious—is this the right way to group them? Are there better organizing principles?

• Responsible Technology Integration - How can we ensure technology amplifies human potential and social good?

• Regenerative Economic Models - How do we create financial systems that reward social and environmental outcomes?

• Human Capability Development - How do we equip people with skills to solve complex problems?

• Community-Centered Wisdom - How do we leverage collective intelligence and traditional knowledge?

An Integrated System (In Theory)

These pillars and concepts are designed to work as an integrated system where progress in one area reinforces progress in others. A company investing in AI ethics naturally supports human capability development. New funding models enable social entrepreneurship. Community engagement draws on indigenous wisdom.

But does this integration actually work in practice? Are there tensions or trade-offs I'm not seeing? What's missing from this picture?

Your Input Needed

This framework is a starting point for conversation, not a final answer. Over the coming posts, I'll explore each pillar in depth—but I'm doing so with the explicit goal of refining and improving these ideas through dialogue with practitioners, researchers, and leaders who are doing this work every day.

What resonates? What doesn't? What am I missing? Let's build this together.