Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation - by Ken Banks (Paperback)

About the Book

Understand the challenges and rewards of social enterprise with this inspiring collection of case studies from social innovators around the world.

Book Synopsis

Social innovators and social entrepreneurs look for creative and affordable solutions to specific societal problems. Fueled by the spread of the internet and the ubiquity of cell phones, it is easier than ever before to attempt to solve pressing social and environmental problems in the world. "Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation" presents the journeys of pioneering and often accidental social innovators who used their courage, tenacity, and creative thinking to find a solution to their problem. The case studies do not gloss over the setbacks and dead ends these people faced; instead, they offer a realistic insight into the challenges and mindset needed to overcome them. From bringing solar-powered lighting to Nigerian midwives, to using surplus food to reconnecting broken refugee families, each case draws out the lessons learned and provides guidance and advice for anyone inspired to take action of their own.

Review Quotes

"Full of hope. A book that will inspire."-- "Peter Gabriel, Musician"

"I believe this collection will inspire more than a few readers to explore their passions and translate them into incremental stories of meaningful change."-- "Alex Moen, Vice President of Explorer Programs, National Geographic"

"The world's most challenging problems are being taken on by people motivated by their personal passions, informed by their deep understanding of local realities and shaped by their frustration with inadequate solutions. Ken Banks and the other remarkable innovators here offer inspiration and insight into building practical solutions while calling into question established wisdom about social innovation."-- "Ethan Zuckerman, Director of the Centre for Civic Media, MIT"

"This book is a refreshing antidote to pessimism about the potential of individuals influencing 'social change.' The author of each chapter has a personal story to tell, but each in such a way that it helps us to better understand the different ways it is possible to make that change happen."-- "Dr. Elizabeth Harrison, Head of International Development, University of Sussex"

"This important, timely book gives the reader an invaluable insight into the workings of the world of social entrepreneurship. It is a must-read for students, practitioners, policy-makers and anyone with a passing interest in how to work for the greater good."-- "Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder of the World Economic Forum and Co-Founder of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship"

About the Author

Ken Banks, founder of global non-profit organization kiwanja.net, devotes himself to the application of mobile technology for positive social and environmental change in the developing world. He is a PopTech Fellow, a Tech Awards Laureate, an Ashoka Fellow and a National Geographic Emerging Explorer. He was appointed Entrepreneur in Residence at CARE International in 2015, elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 2012, and in 2013 he was nominated for the prestigious TED Prize.