Overview
The Chair in Social Innovation was created in 2016 with the support of alumnus Luís Amaral and Girl Move Academy for the hiring by Católica-Lisbon SBE of Professor Filipe Santos from INSEAD, a world renowned expert in the area of entrepreneurship, social innovation and impact investing. This is a strategic commitment of Católica-Lisbon SBE to assert itself as one of the leading business schools in Europe in the areas of sustainability, innovation and impact. The chair was renewed in 2021 for an additional 5 years period.
According to Filipe Santos:
Filipe Santos
Dean of Católica-Lisbon SBE
"it is now widely recognized that the promotion of social innovation is essential for the prosperity of our society and the achievement of sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Promoting social innovation is empowering citizens to build new and effective solutions to society's problems in a decentralized way, involving social economy, companies and public entities in cross-sectoral cooperation processes. This chair will develop the knowledge base and pedagogical tools to develop a true ecosystem supporting social innovation, affirming Portugal as an attractive base for social entrepreneurs and a leading country in social innovation."
In the early years, the Chair developed a set of important international partnerships (European Investment Bank and European Venture Philanthropy Association), which led to the development of advanced training programs that were pioneers worldwide in Scaling Impact. The chair also deepened the training of Católica-Lisbon SBE students through the creation of innovative courses in social entrepreneurship and impact investing for undergraduate and masters programs, also contributing to the national ecosystem of social innovation and to the development of Girl Move Academy. More recently, the Chair holder contributed to the development at Católica-Lisbon SBE of the Centre for Responsible Business & Leadership.
Research within the Chair focuses on the challenges of scaling impact ventures and innovation in financing models, creating the scientific and practice basis for a model of capitalism that promotes social impact and inclusion. The theme of cross-sector partnerships is also explored, as well as a focus on how companies can deepen social innovation and how Foundations can develop social investment and philanthropic impact activities. The Chair in Social Innovation supports initiatives driven by societal concerns and the creation of positive social impact.
Awards of the Chair Holder received during this period:
Goals and Achievements of the Chair in Social Innovation (2016-2021)
1. Contribute to knowledge and advanced training in Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation, placing Católica-Lisbon SBE in the Top 3 of European Social Innovation
World-class practice-inspired research and training, making knowledge robust, relevant and accessible
- Launched programs with international partners, for example, the EIB Scaling Impact Program; the EVPA Scaling Impact for Social Investors Program; EIB Webinars in Social Innovation. Also served international clients: Social Impact Ventures
– Netherlands; Sociale Innovatie Fabriek
– Belgium; Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation; OCEMG
– Organização das Cooperativas de Minas Gerais.
2. Promote social innovation and entrepreneurship in the Católica ecosystem, with a particular focus on students and the development of Girl Move Academy
Promote an environment conducive to social innovation in the Católica-Lisbon SBE universe
- Social Innovation Component in generalist programs; PAGE (Advanced Program in Business Management); PAEGI (Advanced Program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management), AMP (Advanced Management Program).
Launched new courses in degree programs: Social Entrepreneurship - Building Impact Ventures; Impact Investing for MSc; participation by Católica students in the Global Social Innovation Challenge.
3. Stimulate the social innovation ecosystem at national level, contributing to position Portugal as one of the most advanced countries in social innovation and impact investing
Partnerships with international and national entities with a reputation in the themes of social innovation and social investment
- Event hosting: Annual EVPA-EIB Showcasing High Impact Ventures; National and International Visibility through participation in the National Center for Social Innovation;
- Partnerships / collaboration: European Investment Bank (EIB); European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA); IES - Social Business School; Maze – Decoding Impact; Portugal Social Innovation.