For a long time, I have been a firm believer that social entrepreneurship and “normal” entrepreneurship will merge into one. The same will start to apply to larger organisations as technology, organisational design and the attitudes of generation Y, G, Einstein, and N will force companies to embrace what “Exponential organisations” calls transformative purpose. CSR and HR at the heart of every company. Doing things that matter.
4.0 economics
Then I read “Leading from the emerging future”, which is about 4.0 economics. We leave an ecologic footprint of 1.5 planets. Our current economic model is no longer sustainable. We need to move to what the book calls collaborative conscious consumption. A co-creative ecosystem model. From inflexible, centralised control to a spontaneous, decentralised grassroots movement. From GDP to GNH (Gross National Happiness). From economy to social economy.
Frugal innovation
Not long after followed “Frugal Innovation”. Doing more with less, creating significantly more business and social value while minimising the use of diminishing resources such as energy, capital and time. And as with defining your transformative purpose, you don’t have as long as you think. Frugal competitors are already on the market. Particularly rivals from emerging markets.
Climatelaunchpad
And then I was asked to help run Climatelaunchpad. And idea competition on anything to do with tackling climate change through entrepreneurship. A combination of all the above.
- transformative purpose
- 4.0 economics
- frugal innovation
I took the opportunity with both hands. A trend hotspot and an opportunity to do something that truly matters. Had a ball and we got one of the Irish ideas into the last 20, competing with hundreds of start-ups from 25 countries across Europe. The added bonus was that the final was in Amsterdam.
Sustainable as the new normal
My prediction that the next wave will be a combination of those three. Green will become the new normal. And it will be again quicker than you think. COP2015 will drive it, consumers will demand it and an 85 trillion dollar investment in this sector will drive it further.
Entrepreneur in residence
Since then I moved from (just) Climatelaunchpad, to being the entrepreneur in residence for SustainableNation Ireland. Even better. With a focus on intrapreneurship for maximum impact. Working with large corporate focusing on ideas, value chain mapping and creating potential spin-offs.
The ask
I need your help.
- I am looking for large companies that want to get involved and run an internal ideas programme for their staff.
- I am looking for intrapreneurs that want to play with us and help those idea develop and make an impact.
If you know anyone, could you spread the word, or if you want to support to programme in any other way, please get in touch.
