Master in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

-        Distinguish the theoretical concepts and key dimensions of social entrepreneurship (Critical reasoning & application of theories).

-        Evaluate the role that social entrepreneurs play in society and the key challenges that they face (Critical reasoning & application of theories).

-        Detect the multiple actors of social entrepreneurship and identify the ways to build partnerships with them (Inter-organisational skills).

-        Apply business strategies and tools in the social entrepreneurship context, in order to empower people and to enable markets to achieve social benefits (Leadership and Management process skills).

-        Integrate lessons and experiences from real-life social organizations for the development of a social business model (Management process skills).

Social entrepreneurship is growing rapidly, and captures an increasing attention from the political, economic and academic spheres. Drawing upon business techniques, social entrepreneurs aim at developing innovative solutions to existing social, societal and environmental challenges, in order to drive social transformation.

This course will offer insights into the world of social entrepreneurship, exploring the societal trends supporting or limiting the development of social enterprises and the key actors of social venture creation. It will also provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop a social business model, to run a social venture and to create social change. The course divides into two parts: the context of social entrepreneurship (why, what, who) and the social entrepreneurial process (tools and strategies, social business model creation and development).

I. The context of social entrepreneurship

-        What is social entrepreneurship : definition and nature, key dimensions (mission, governance, value), and interrelations between business and social ends, means and impacts.

-        Societal trends : economic, social and environmental factors, citizens' well-being and empowerment, development of a competitive economy based on knowledge, open and collaborative entrepreneurship…

-        Key actors : social entrepreneurs, traditional entrepreneurs being 'social', incubators of social entrepreneurship, clients / customers / citizens, funding intermediaries, public-private partnerships.

II. The process of social entrepreneurship: creating and developing a social enterprise

-        Barriers and strategies : what inhibits social entrepreneurs from innovating and becoming successful and what available strategies and tools exist to generate social change.

-        The development of a social business model : identify a social business opportunity, select an organizational form, and create a business model with a social value proposition.

-        The management of a social business : attract investors, measure social impact, and develop communication strategies.

The course is structured in order to encourage learning and understanding in several ways:

-        Through oral presentations, readings and discussions , we will learn the theoretical concepts and key dimensions of social entrepreneurship. Concrete examples will illustrate the theory.

-        Through case study analyses , you will have the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in practice. You will work on case studies by groups, and compare your analysis and decisions with those of other groups. In addition, you will get the opportunity to write a case study yourself, about a real social enterprise.

-        Throughout the class you will listen to and learn from experiences of your colleagues . There is a strong emphasis on dialogue and interaction, and the sharing of ideas and experiences.

?Paper
30%Identify an issue related to Social Entrepreneurship (either a topic from the required reading or thematic covered in the first class) and provide a short report (max 3 pages word or 5 slides ppt),
Clarity of writing, depth and insight of the summary and analysis, and theoretical underpinning in light of the materials covered in class will be evaluated

?Presentation
20%Showcase a social entrepreneur or social enterprise - 
5 minute oral presentation highlighting:
1/ the social mission 
2/ the business model
3/ the personal or institutional attributes that inspired the choice.
* A short ppt (max 3 slides) is optional 
* Please provide a short document with bullet points on the 3 points above to hand in.

?Other
50%Class participation: preparation of assigned case and other readings, attendance and quality of contribution