Societal entrepreneurship is an initiative aimed at improving that which is missing or not working in the social structure: new solutions that create a sustainable society – economically, socially and ecologically.
The Knowledge Foundation will make a major effort to boost societal entrepreneurship in Sweden. During a nine-year period, about SEK 120 million will be allocated to education and research in this field.
Societal entrepreneurship exists when people take their own initiative to improve that which they believe is missing or not working in the social structure. It may be a matter of skateboard ramps, regional development or Fairtrade labelled clothing.
In the same way that traditional entrepreneurs are necessary to renew business and industry, their cousins – societal entrepreneurs - are needed to develop public-welfare services.
The programme will not finance tangible projects; instead, it will in different ways strengthen the “skill” of societal entrepreneurship. This can be compared to work during recent years to promote traditional entrepreneurship, i.e. wide-ranging efforts aimed at research, education and influencing attitudes.
During 2008, a research programme was started, with a number of “pilots” working to boost competence development for societal entrepreneurs. The programme also initiated a virtual meeting-point for societal entrepreneurship and arranged dialogues all over Sweden.
For further information, please contact:
Eva Moe, +46-8-56 64 81 32; email: eva.moe@kks.se
Uppdaterad:
2008-03-11