Understanding Social Entrepreneurship
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 What is Social Entrepreneurship?
The Skoll Foundation’s CEO Sally Osberg and the University of Toronto’s Roger Martin assert that social entrepreneurs:
- Address a pressing need relative to “the exclusion, marginalization, or suffering of a segment of humanity that lacks the financial means or political clout to achieve any transformative benefit on its own.”
- Identify an opportunity by “developing a social value proposition, and bringing to bear inspiration, creativity, direct action, courage, and fortitude.”.
- Create a new paradigm which “releases trapped potential or alleviates the suffering of the targeted group, and through imitation and the creation of a stable ecosystem ensure a better future for the targeted group and society at large.”
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What do social entrepreneurs do?
In an article published in the 2007 Nexus magazine, GSBI Director James L. Koch outlines key principles necessary to break down barriers and make markets work for everyone. - Address issues of injustice and inequality
- Overcome “civil engineering deficits”
- Enable access to capital for the poor
- Address barriers to internet access
- Solve distribution problems to make markets inclusive
- Overcome market inefficiency and failures
- Localize technology to seve marginalized population
- Address skill shortages as barriers to service delivery
- Address “non-consumption” through social marketing
- Develop Bottom of the Pyramid innovation ecologies
- Foster a vibrant civil society
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What do Social Entrepreneurs need?
The Center for Science, Technology, and Society seeks to address the needs of social entrepreneurs through: - An incubation methodology that combines Silicon Valley mentor acumen with a curriculum adapted to the knowledge, skill, and network resource needs of social entrepreneurs.
- Joint sponsorship with the Tech Museum of Innovation of a program, Technology Benefiting Humanity, for recognizing transformative technologies with a significant social impact
- Research and scholarship focused on further defining the field, highlighting issues, identifying opportunities, and recognizing success.
- The global network of social entrepreneurs needs a technology platform that augments existing programs and creates a shared space for the global community of social entrepreneurs committed to systemic change through collaboration.
Social Entrepreneurship Program Areas
- Technology Benefiting Humanity Awards - Since 2001, the awards have recognized 25 social entrepreneurs a year who work in the areas of Education, Environment, Health, Economic Development, and Equality. The Center organizes the judging panels that selects five finalists and identifies the award recipient who receives a $50,000 cash award.
- The Global Social Benefit Incubator - Since 2003, more than 100 award-winning social enterprises have attended the annual program which identifies scalable social ventures, delivers a world-class business incubation curriculum, connects entrepreneurs with seasoned Silicon Valley mentors, and facilitates investment opportunities.
- Social Enterprise Innovation Network (SEIN) – Uses the the latest information architecture and artificial intelligence technologies to create a virtual learning, and networking workspace that enables social entrepreneurs around the world to scale their reach and impact.
- Nexus Magazine –The Center for Science, Technology, and Society publishes an edition of the magazine which coincides with the Tech Awards gala and highlights the work of the 25 Tech Awards laureates.
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