Session 16: February 28, 2008

Social Innovation

Quote of the Day

"Man does not live by bread alone"  ~ The Bible

Summary

Entrepreneurs have a spirit and skills that are effective at changing things. They may choose to change products, or industries, or society. Their talents are not limited to bottom line enterprises; they are every bit as effective pursing broader missions without consideration for profits.

 

Required Readings (Policy on Required Readings.)

• Readings from the Textbooks:
• Technology Ventures (Dorf and Byers): Sections 7.4 and 8.2
• Case:
• TH!NK: The Norwegian Electric Car Company (in course reader)
• Articles to read:
  • A Capitalist Jolt for Charity - New York Times
• The Meaning of Social Entrepreneurship - J. Gregory Dees
• The Rise of the Social Entrepreneur - (Economist article link)
• Watch the following short video clips:
• Vinod Khosla (KPCB) - Social Entrepreneurship
• Debra Dunn (HP) - Skills for Social Entrepreneurship
• Kavita Ramdas (Global Fund for Women) - Examples of social entrepreneurs
• John Doerr (KPCB) - The Impact of Social Entrepreneurism

Study Questions (Policy on Study Questions.)

1. In the US, who is your top choice for the long-term target customer group if you look ahead 5 years?  Why would they choose the TH!NK City?
2. In the US, who is your top choice for the initial target customer group okay in the next 1-2 years?  Why would they choose the TH!NK City?
3. What are the main risks that might affect TH!NK's US entry?  How would you manage those risks?
4. How is social entrepreneurship different from the other kinds of entrepreneurship that we've looked at in this course?

 

Team Online Assignment (Policy on Online Assignments.)

What would be your plan to launch the TH!NK City into the US?

 

Extra Credit

Any student who participates in an eweek team can get extra credit by sending am email to your appropriate homework list by Friday, Feb 29th at 5PM. In the email, include your name and your team name. Please use the header "E145: Eweek Extra Credit".