Social enterprises balance a social mission with financial viability and harness the power of the market, investment and entrepreneurship to solve critical social or environmental challenges. As worldwide interest in applying design methods to spur entrepreneurial social innovations, technology inventions and social businesses is increasing, the role(s) of design in the social enterprise movement remains emergent. This cluster will investigate the challenges and opportunities in preparing designers for leadership roles in developing sustainable social ventures that harness the capabilities of design. Issues up for discussion will include trends and professional opportunities in social innovation, social enterprise, “design entrepreneurship,” social finance and impact investing, and frameworks for successful multidisciplinary teams and partnerships.
Social enterprises balance a social mission with financial viability and harness the power of the market, investment and entrepreneurship to solve critical social or environmental challenges. As worldwide interest in applying design methods to spur entrepreneurial social innovations, technology inventions and social businesses is increasing, the role(s) of design in the social enterprise movement remains emergent. This cluster will investigate the challenges and opportunities in preparing designers for leadership roles in developing sustainable social ventures that harness the capabilities of design. Issues up for discussion will include trends and professional opportunities in social innovation, social enterprise, “design entrepreneurship,” social finance and impact investing, and frameworks for successful multidisciplinary teams and partnerships.
