Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation: International Case Studies and Practice

Social innovation and social entrepreneurship look for creative and affordable solutions to specific societal problems. Fuelled by the spread of the internet and the ubiquity of mobile phones, there are more people working to solve pressing social and environmental problems in the world today than ever before. Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation presents the journeys of pioneering - and often accidental - social innovators who, faced with a problem, used their courage, tenacity and creative thinking to find a solution.

Using their own words to reflect upon their experiences, these cases do not gloss over the setbacks and the dead-ends social entrepreneurs can face. Instead, readers will gain a realistic insight into the challenges and an engaging look at the problem-solving mindset needed to overcome them. From a life-saving project to bring solar-powered lighting to midwives in Nigeria, to a news dissemination service that’s grown from small beginnings to have a global impact, each case study draws out the lessons learnt by the innovators, providing guidance and advice for those looking to follow in their footsteps. Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation is an invaluable resource for social entrepreneurs and innovators looking for new ideas and insight into what really works - and what doesn’t.

Ken Banks is the founder of kiwanja.net and the creator of FrontlineSMS, a text messaging platform that helps drive social change projects across the world. He has received a Stanford University Fellowship, and he has been named both a National Geographic Explorer and a Laureate of the Tech Awards (an international awards program honoring innovators using technology to drive social change). He was nominated for a TED Prize in 2013, and he was appointed Entrepreneur in Residence at CARE International in 2015. A frequent writer on Africa, technology, and innovation, he has been published online by CNN, the BBC, and the Guardian and the print edition of Wired Magazine. Contributors: Jessica Anderson, Visualizing ImpactJoumana al Jabri, Visualizing ImpactRodrigo Baggio, CDI
Kelvin Cheung, FoodCycleErik Hersman, UshahidiBrij Kothari, PlanetReadDavid and Christopher Mikkelsen, Refugees UnitedTarik Nesh Nash, GovRightMichael Norton, FoodCylePriti Radhakrishnan, I-MAKJoel Selanikio, Magpi
Louisa Silva, QSTI (Qigong Sensory Training Institute)Laura Stachel, We Care Solar
Sharon Terry, Genetic Alliance
Sarah Toumi, Dream in Tunisia