Approaches to increasingly complex social issues and fostering entrepreneurship

Tomohisa Okada

Why did you take this course?

I am interested in creating new businesses, and through the “Social Entrepreneurship class I took in my first year, I was deeply inspired by the concept of CSV (Creating Shared Value). This concept emphasizes solving social issues while simultaneously achieving economic benefits, which resonated strongly with me.

What I learned in the class

The class is divided into two main parts: (1) lectures for input and (2) group work for output in the form of new business planning.

(1) Lectures (Input)
We learned a series of frameworks that guide the process from identifying social issues to creating business models. Specifically, we explored:
・Empathy Map: To visualize the feelings and thoughts of those affected by social issues.
・Cultural Iceberg Model and Loop Diagram: To understand social issues structurally.
・Theory of Change: To map out long-term impact.
・Business Model Canvas: To objectively assess the business models we were considering.
In addition, guest lectures by social entrepreneurs and investors provided practical insights and enhanced our understanding of multi-stakeholder perspectives in solving social issues.

(2) Group work (Output)
Teams were required to be formed prior to applying for the class. Using the frameworks learned, each team developed a business model addressing a specific social issue. The course culminated in presentations made in front of social entrepreneurs, investors, and other experts, who provided valuable feedback.
Students were encouraged to design social businesses with a focus on system change—an approach that targets the underlying structure of problems—rather than merely providing direct services. Additionally, we learned to evaluate business models based on six aspects: sustainability, measurability, intentionality, and others.

how do you want to apply what you learned in the future?

Through this class, I was able to develop three key competencies: (1) systems thinking, (2) reflective practices, and (3) entrepreneurship.

(1) Systems thinking
I enhanced my ability to view problems holistically by considering the perspectives of various stakeholders and their interrelationships. This broader perspective has enabled me to propose more effective solutions.

(2) Reflective Practices
I cultivated a habit of reflection, allowing me to regularly assess my actions and words to improve continuously. By revisiting my values regularly, I have become more proactive in my approach.

(3) Entrepreneurship
The course fostered my entrepreneurial spirit, enabling me to take on new challenges with confidence and collaborate effectively with others. I am continuing to refine my social business ideas through ongoing discussions with Prof. Kumahira, Prof. Kobayashi, and other mentors.
Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Kumahira, Prof. Kobayashi, and all those who supported us throughout this course, as well as to my teammates for their invaluable cooperation and insights.