Imagine a world where deep, lasting change happens through entrepreneurial thinking. This vision drives a premier institution at the University of Oxford.
The Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship stands at the forefront of this movement. Based at Saïd Business School, it combines rigorous research with practical application.
This center tackles our most pressing global challenges. It empowers leaders to create systemic social change that transforms communities and systems.
Through education and real-world projects, it bridges theory and practice. The approach creates meaningful impact that extends far beyond traditional business boundaries.
Key Takeaways
- The institution operates within one of the world’s top universities
- Focuses on creating deep, broad, and lasting social transformation
- Combines academic research with hands-on practical application
- Empowers entrepreneurial leaders to drive systemic change
- Works at the intersection of business innovation and social good
- Builds global networks and communities for maximum impact
- Develops new approaches to address complex world challenges
About the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship
A groundbreaking initiative emerged in 2003 that would reshape how business education addresses societal needs worldwide. This pioneering institution was established through generous support from the Skoll Foundation, creating an intellectual home for innovative approaches to global challenges.
Our Founding and History at Oxford University
The institution began with three core objectives that continue to guide its work today. These included supporting faculty research, creating an MBA scholarship program, and hosting an annual gathering for social impact leaders.
In 2004, the first cohort of scholars began their studies at Saïd Business School. That same year marked the inaugural World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship, bringing together practitioners and thinkers from around the globe.
For over two decades, these founding principles have remained central to the institution’s identity. The approach combines rigorous academic research with real-world application, creating meaningful change that extends beyond traditional boundaries.
Vision and Mission for Systemic Social Change
The vision centers on a world where transformation happens through embracing paradox. This means bridging theory and practice, profit and purpose, local communities and global businesses.
The mission focuses on equipping entrepreneurial leaders to catalyze social impact within and beyond business. This operational approach brings researchers and practitioners together to address complex challenges.
Impact is defined as systemic social change informed by both academic insights and practical experience. The work has evolved from focusing primarily on social entrepreneurship to addressing broader impact areas while maintaining its core commitment to transformation.
This unique positioning within Oxford University’s tradition of academic excellence allows for innovative approaches to pressing global issues. The institution continues to push boundaries in how we understand and create positive change in the world.
Cutting-Edge Research Initiatives
Groundbreaking research forms the backbone of meaningful social transformation. The institution’s approach combines academic rigor with real-world application to address complex global challenges.
This work bridges the gap between theory and practice. It creates actionable insights that drive measurable change across communities and systems worldwide.
Meaningful Measurement: Impact Evaluation Framework
Traditional measurement often focuses on activities rather than true outcomes. The Meaningful Measurement framework offers a revolutionary alternative.
This approach prioritizes listening to those closest to the work. It shifts evaluation from counting outputs to understanding real impact on people’s lives.
The framework addresses critical challenges in social organizations. It provides practical tools for assessing what truly matters in creating lasting change.
Global Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship Studies
The 2024 Global Innovation Index chapter explores social entrepreneurship’s current state. It addresses three crucial questions about this growing field.
Researchers examine how social ventures create impact across different contexts. They analyze the mechanisms that drive successful outcomes in various communities.
The study also investigates policy support needs for social innovators. It provides valuable insights for governments and institutions seeking to foster entrepreneurship.
Climate Change and Food Systems Research
One major study focuses on 570 million smallholder farmers worldwide. These farmers feed one-third of the global population yet face food insecurity themselves.
The research advocates for a just transition in global food systems. It offers practical solutions for creating more equitable and sustainable agricultural practices.
The Climate Changemaker Playbook provides strategies for turning concern into action. With a foreword by Christiana Figueres, it guides people from caring to doing.
All research combines academic excellence with practical relevance. Partnerships with organizations like Oxford Martin School and Ashoka enhance its real-world application.
These insights directly inform educational programmes and implementation strategies. They create learning opportunities for students and practitioners alike.
The work advances thought leadership through cutting-edge publications. It positions the institution at the forefront of social innovation research.
Educational Programs and Scholarship Opportunities
Transformative learning experiences create lasting social impact. The institution develops entrepreneurial leaders through innovative educational programmes.
These opportunities combine academic rigor with practical application. They prepare students to address complex global challenges effectively.
Skoll Scholarship for Social Innovators
The Skoll Scholarship offers a fully funded MBA opportunity at Oxford University. This prestigious programme supports exceptional social innovators worldwide.
Selection criteria focus on demonstrated entrepreneurial experience and leadership potential. Applicants must show commitment to creating positive social change.
The scholarship provides financial support and access to a global network. Recipients join a community of change-makers driving innovation across sectors.
Map the System: Global Systems Thinking Program
Map the System challenges students to understand complex social and environmental issues. This global competition develops critical systems thinking capabilities.
Participants research root causes and interconnected factors within their chosen system. The programme emphasizes deep understanding before proposing solutions.
Winning teams receive recognition and support to further develop their insights. This approach creates more effective and sustainable social impact.
Impact Lab for Oxford Postgraduate Students
Impact Lab provides specialized leadership development for Oxford postgraduate students. This intensive programme combines theoretical frameworks with hands-on practice.
Participants learn to design and implement effective social innovation strategies. The curriculum integrates cutting-edge research insights from faculty and practitioners.
Graduates join an active alumni network that provides ongoing support and collaboration opportunities. This community continues to drive meaningful change worldwide.
All educational programmes incorporate the latest research findings into practical learning experiences. This approach ensures students gain both theoretical knowledge and real-world application skills.
The institution measures success through participant outcomes and organizational impact. These metrics demonstrate how education scales social innovation effectively.
Building a Global Community of Change Makers
Real transformation happens when diverse minds connect around shared goals. This institution creates spaces where ideas meet action and vision meets implementation.
Through strategic gatherings and digital platforms, it builds bridges across sectors. These connections spark innovation and accelerate meaningful progress worldwide.
Bridging Theory and Practice
The institution creates unique opportunities to connect academic insights with real-world application. This approach turns research findings into practical solutions.
It brings together classroom learning with field experience. Students and professionals gain skills that work in actual communities and organizations.
This bridge between ideas and action creates more effective social impact. People learn to apply theoretical knowledge to complex challenges.
Network of Researchers and Practitioners
A global network connects experts from various fields and regions. This community includes academic scholars, field professionals, and organizational leaders.
Members share knowledge and collaborate on pressing issues. They exchange insights about leading, financing, and measuring social change.
This network amplifies individual efforts through collective action. It creates opportunities for cross-learning and mutual support.
Partnerships and Collaborative Opportunities
Strategic partnerships with organizations across sectors drive greater impact. These collaborations include corporate, nonprofit, and academic institutions.
Partners work together on research projects and educational programmes. They develop new approaches to scale social innovation effectively.
The annual World Forum brings this community together for inspiration and action. This event features cutting-edge ideas and practical workshops.
Membership criteria focus on commitment to positive social change. Engagement opportunities range from research collaboration to event participation.
These partnerships demonstrate how collective effort creates systemic transformation. They show the power of united action toward common goals.
Conclusion
Bridging academic excellence with real-world application has defined this institution’s impactful trajectory. Over two decades, it has evolved from a social entrepreneurship pioneer to addressing broader systemic change processes.
The integrated approach across research, education, and community building creates multiplicative impact. This unique positioning enables transformative work that spans sectors and disciplines.
Looking forward, the focus expands to encompass fundamental processes required for lasting social transformation. The institution continues driving meaningful change through innovative programmes and global partnerships.
This work demonstrates how bridging theory and practice creates sustainable impact. It offers valuable opportunities for engagement with social innovators and change-makers worldwide.
FAQ
What is the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship?
The Skoll Centre is a leading academic hub at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. It focuses on advancing social entrepreneurship through research, education, and community building to drive large-scale social change.
How does the Skoll Scholarship support social innovators?
The Skoll Scholarship provides full funding and a living stipend to outstanding MBA candidates at Oxford who have a proven track record of social innovation. It offers access to a global network, mentorship, and specialized learning opportunities.
What is the Map the System program?
Map the System is a global competition that challenges students to research and map a complex social or environmental issue. It teaches systems thinking and helps participants understand root causes rather than just symptoms.
What kind of research does the centre produce?
Research initiatives include impact evaluation frameworks, studies on global innovation in social entrepreneurship, and focused work on critical areas like climate change and sustainable food systems.
Who can participate in the Impact Lab?
The Impact Lab is open to postgraduate students across the University of Oxford. It provides hands-on experience, workshops, and resources to help students develop and scale social ventures.
How does the centre connect researchers and practitioners?
The centre fosters collaboration through events, conferences, and partnerships. It brings together academics, entrepreneurs, and leaders to share insights and co-create solutions for systemic challenges.
Can non-Oxford students engage with the Skoll Centre?
Yes. Through programs like Map the System and public events, the centre engages a global audience. Many resources, research publications, and learning materials are available online to the wider community.
