Entrepreneurial Strategies for Social Impact

Authors: Mair, Johanna; Seelos, Christian
Source: IESE Business School
Year: 2007
Number of pages: 14

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Abstract:

Markets in developed countries succeeded in catering efficiently to many if not most basic human needs and increasingly sophisticated customer wants. At the same time, the persistence and severity of global poverty indicates a number of economic and social hurdles to achieving a global form of sustainable development. Progress requires innovation in technologies, products and services but mostly also in the process of how to engage the poor and how to build business models able to satisfy the needs of the poor while being financially sustainable. These solutions are not limited to the non-profit sector or to social entrepreneurs but provide a viable concept for profit oriented firms as well. Creating these solutions involves recognizing opportunities, combining and mobilizing resources, triggering positive change in various domains, and building sustainable business models that ensure access and scale of impact.