Inspiration, Education and Capacity Development to Enable Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Sustainable Entrepreneurship is becoming a powerful tool that entrepreneurs can seize to meet their social, environmental and economic objectives. Sustainable entrepreneurs are critical actors for changing existing sustainable consumption and production patterns on the basis of individual initiatives. They introduce new, sustainable products and services into existing markets, open opportunities for sustainability conscious consumers and in general support societal efforts to support sustainable lifestyles.

SMART Start-up in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) field

Since 2007, the CSCP has been working in promoting sustainable entrepreneurship by positioning sustainable consumption and production (SCP) as a field of opportunity to advance creativity, drive innovation and facilitate entrepreneurship. The centre has consolidated its activities and initiatives under the overarching SMART Start up initiative.

Within the SMART Start-up framework the CSCP has provided training programs and developed tools to sensitise the academic community and young people towards sustainable entrepreneurship concepts in addition to working to develop the capacity of entrepreneurs. SMART Start-up ICT is the outgrowth of the CSCP experience that began with the “Introducing Sustainable Lifestyles and Sustainable Entrepreneurship into African Universities and Colleges” from 2007 through 2010.  SMART Start-up ICT stemmed from a need to improve the quality of entrepreneurship and ensure sustainable practice in the ICT industry by inspiring the broader community and society.

SMART Start-up ICT Details

The SMART Start-up ICT programme focuses on stimulating sustainable entrepreneurship and developing skill sets of younger generations in China, South Africa and Brazil. Working with universities and colleges in these emerging markets, SMART Start-up ICT presents sustainability concepts as an opportunity for potential entrepreneurs. The programme provides a platform for collaboration between multinational companies, micro entrepreneurs, and supportive organizations in civil society.

SMART Start-up ICT comprises the following work packages: 

• Training package development: Tailoring of SMART Start-up training packages for the ICT sector and to the unique characteristics of participating countries. The training materials will be prepared in English, Portuguese and Chinese.
• Country Application: Delivery of the training programme in nine universities in the three project countries and a consultative workshop organized for institutions and individual experts working on the field of Sustainable Entrepreneurship, and for business support organizations and private companies in particular.
• Guidance document preparation:  A guiding document will be developed to serve as a planning tool for sustainable entrepreneurs.
• Communication materials development: A project website and other communication materials will be developed. The material will feature a database of business ideas collected from participants as well as plans under development, success stories and other documents that will enrich the Sustainable Entrepreneurship library.

Background

This project is undertaken within the priorities of the African 10 Year Framework of Programmes (10YFP) on SCP. Project contributors include Marrakech Process Task Forces and individuals active in advancing sustainable entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship. Deutsche Telekom is providing financial support for the SMART Start-up ICT project for 2011 and 2012.