The events of the previous year have amplified the needs for technologies and innovation to focus on the social component of development, namely, the human-centric approach. With the coming of Gen Z into the global market, it is an undeniable reality that this generation will steer the vision of entrepreneurship in the Digital Economy 2.0. However, it is also important to note that the Public and Private sector must find ways to engage youth and encourage them to focus on social entrepreneurship as the main catalyst for change in the future. This article will outline multiple ways in which such an ambitious agenda can be achieved.

 

Action Item 1: Build Upon Gen Z’s Social Impact Emphasis

 Gen Z is the epitome of the human-centric, social impact driven generation. We are inspired to leverage our unique up-bringing with the digital revolution of the early-to-mid 2000s, and the current digital reinvention of society, in order to innovate with positive social impact. Due to our emphasis on the pillars of diversity, inclusion, social entrepreneurship and social impact, our digital native approach, and the fact that we are now the majority generation on the planet constituting 32% of the world’s population, we hold the key to the acceleration of global Sustainable Development Goals and the elevation of humanity.
 

One way to engage more youth to become social entrepreneurs is to emphasize Gen Z’s mindset in the Public and Private sector, therefore enabling them to feel included at the policy-making table, which will in turn encourage them to innovate for the greater good.

 

Action Item 2: Structure Educational Outcomes Around Social Innovation

At present moment, educational outcomes of academic institutions are not structured around positive social impact. Indeed, students do learn important information related to matters as Ecology and Planet Health, as well as Governance. However, educators should aim to explain to youth how their education in these subjects directly provides positive social impact. This can encourage youth to gain curiosity into social entrepreneurship, and help build the next generation of innovators.

 

Action Item 3: Involve Youth in Social Entrepreneurship Bootcamps

 Across the world, there are countless bootcamps that teach students of all ages how to become experts in specific disciplines. Evidently, as our economy evolves and the need for social-oriented tech rises, we will need youth to become experts in social entrepreneurship. One way that we can engage youth in this manner is to create social entrepreneurship bootcamps that enable youth to create their own social innovation startups as a curriculum outcome. Not only will youth find this engaging and fun, but it will also educate them in the process.
 

Action Item 4: Translate The Benefits of Social Entrepreneurship to Youth

 People are far less likely to adapt to change without understanding the benefits of the change. Therefore, the same approach must be taken with youth early on in order to engage them to become social entrepreneurs. By partnering together, the Public and Private sector has the power to create educational programs that translate the benefits of social entrepreneurship through youth. This can be accomplished via seminars at academic institutions or even simple newsletters that are sent to parents.
 

To Conclude…

There are multiple ways in which we can engage youth to become social entrepreneurs. By leveraging the might of the public and private sector, emphasizing Gen Z’s dogma of positive social impact, and enabling educational institutions to be key drivers in this process, we can expect more youth to become social entrepreneurs.

Original source: https://www.the-angelica-factor.com/post/how-to-engage-youth-to-become-social-entrepreneurs

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This publication has been prepared within INDIGISE project. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the project coordinator and may not always reflect the views of the European Commission or the National Agency.