30 November 2016. Why, actually, should only politics and public administration deal with social and ecological problems? Why not also enterprises? After all, whatever is entrepreneurial need not aim at financial gain as a matter of course. Entrepreneurial approaches can also constitute an excellent means to tackle challenges in society and the environment and to solve them in a sustainable manner. This is what social entrepreneurship is all about.

Ever since the Indian Peace Nobel Prize Winner Muhammad Yunus, who is one of the most famous advocates of social entrepreneurship, developed the microfinance bank Grameen from the late 1970s onwards, much has happened in the field of social entrepreneurship all over the world. Our dossier will reveal selected perspectives on it.

Dietmar Grichnik, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Technology Management at the University of St.Gallen will take a broad view of the topics in his video interview, while the two HSG researchers Pascal Dey and Chris Steyaert will deal with two specific “stories” of social entrepreneurship: one based on a hedonistic drive, the other driven by altruistic motives. Entrepreneurship Professor Susan Müller will cast light on social entrepreneurship projects in different continents, whereas Communication Professor Sabrina Bresciani will reveal how visual aids can provide crucial support to social entrepreneurs.

Further topics will range from successful entrepreneurial reforms in the public health sector of Rio de Janeiro, to new foodstuffs made from insects and to initiatives launched by students and alumni of the University of St.Gallen who have become social entrepreneurs.