Social Technopreneurship: A Unifying Force in Education

THERE IS A GLOBAL PROBLEM:

Our education system is not adapting quickly enough to the changing world

Education today is in crisis. Even before the coronavirus pandemic struck, in many parts of the world, children who should be in school are not in school. For those who are, their schools often lack the resources to provide adequate instruction. At a time when quality education is arguably more vital to one’s life chances than ever before, children are missing out on the education needed to live fulfilling lives as adults: to participate in society and contribute to the economy.

Historically, education has been the shortest bridge between the haves and the have-nots, bringing progress and prosperity for both individuals and countries–but the current education system is showing its age. Founded at a time when industries needed workers with a relatively fixed set of skills and knowledge, it is losing its relevance in an era of innovation, disruption and constant change, where adaptability and learning agility are most needed.

Global educational strategies are operating in isolation and losing applicability

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) focuses on developing social and emotional skills, including self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Students who have undergone SEL have better mental health, higher academic achievement, improved behavior and attitude towards learning, and are more likely to graduate from high school.

21st Century Competencies (21CC) emphasize on developing a broad range of skills that are essential for success in a rapidly changing world, including critical thinking and problem solving, creativity and innovation, communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and global awareness. Students who have undergone 21CC are better prepared to adapt to changing technologies and work environments, and are more likely to have successful careers in a wide range of fields.

International Baccalaureate (IB) emphasizes the development of the whole person, including students who are knowledgeable, caring, and engaged citizens of the world. Students who have undergone IB are more likely to be well-rounded individuals, lifelong learners, globally minded, and empathetic towards people from diverse cultures and background.

STEM education focuses on developing skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Students who have undergone STEM are more likely to have stronger analytical and problem-solving skills, more technological savvy, able to work collaboratively on complex projects, and better placed for careers in a range of STEM fields

Evaluating our current education systems against three criteria: job readiness, ability to compete against smart machines for jobs, and creating long-term economic value – reveals the following:

How Social Technopreneurship can help to unify education and bridge the gap

Social Technopreneurship, or entrepreneurship through technology serving a social cause, refers to the use of entrepreneurship and technology to create innovative solutions that address social and environmental challenges. It involves using business principles and technological tools and skills to create sustainable and socially responsible ventures that generate both economic and social value.

Students who have undergone Social Technopreneurship are better equipped to combine business acumen, technical skills, and social consciousness to create ventures that not only generate profits but also benefit society. They are more likely to leverage technology to create products and services that address social problems such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and access to education and healthcare, including the creation of new employment opportunities for marginalized communities.

Here are more examples how Social Technopreneurship can empower students to make impactful changes:

Why Social Technopreneurship education is the way to go

Social Technopreneurship is a distinct approach to education that focuses on developing skills and knowledge related to starting a business and using technology to serve a social cause. While there are some similarities between Social Technopreneurship education and other approaches such as SEL, 21CC, IB, and STEM education, Social Technopreneurship is intuitive and helps students to thrive through:

Opportunities for educators to make an impactful difference in students’ lives

Social Technopreneurship is an emerging field and discipline that has the potential to create significant positive change by harnessing the power of entrepreneurship and technology to solve some of the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. By applying business principles and technological tools and skills to address social problems, students can significantly increase their experience and employability. More importantly, students get to follow their passion. They can believe in their cause and be the change they want to see in this world by creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.