Introduction

“The most powerful source in the world is the big idea, but only if it is in the hands of a good entrepreneur. This can move the world” - Bill Drayton

Is social entrepreneurship one of the possible responses to the growing uncertainty in the global economy? Is the benefit of social entrepreneurship embedded in its unique nature to operate in areas' where both the market mechanisms and the government-based support structures for allocating resources and power have failed? Are social entrepreneurs ordinary or extraordinary people, inventors or enthusiasts? How could they pursue social goals, starting with limited resources and supported by the power of global networking and partnership? What models of social entrepreneurship could be applicable for the cultural sector to compensate for fewer resources and the ongoing financial instability?

The interview with Eva Moe, Manager of the Swedish Knowledge Foundation’s programme Societal Entrepreneurship, gives arguments for the support of "societal entrepreneurship" (1) and emphasizes that as a new concept it requires increasing awareness and education to get more people involved. We have chosen key definitions and viewpoints on the theme of social entrepreneurship and have selected key figures of social entrepreneurs from the past and the present times.

Societal entrepreneurship is the translation of the Swedish Knowledge Foundation's programme - social entrepreneurship will be used throughout this document.

Contents

1. Social entrepreneurship
2. Social entrepreneurship: between market and government failures
3. Characteristics of social entrepreneurship
4. Social entrepreneurship initiatives and the cultural sector
5. Interview with Eva Moe, Swedish Knowledge Foundation
6. Video interview with Bas Ruyssenaars, The Beach (Netherlands)
7. What is a social entrepreneur?
8. Leading social entrepreneurs
9. Research mapping

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Research Mapping

The resources mapping on the theme of social entrepreneurship includes important publications; online platforms and virtual libraries; organisations, foundations and supporting institutions; videos; and educational institutions and training programmes in the field of social entrepreneurship. We raise open questions related to the benefits of the social entrepreneurship models for the cultural sector and the use of the new technologies for creating innovative social programmes.

Download PDF version of the research mapping