With 70 percent of the population under 30, there is no doubt that Pakistan’s future depends on youth. This presents both an opportunity and challenge to develop raw talent.
In view of the country’s challenges in education, health, and poverty, a new report launched today by the Economic Policy Group explores how to harness the skillsets of youth and unleash the innovation potential of Pakistan’s social entrepreneurs.
One suggestion is the establishment of incubator hubs in business schools, where students can identify new business ideas and learn how to take calculated risks, work effectively in teams, and organize resources.
Another is to establish policy frameworks to facilitate social innovation. The report calls for a government department to spearhead and cultivate social entrepreneurship, using the UK’s Office of the Third Sector as an example.
Finally, the report highlights the financial needs of social entrepreneurs, calling upon the development of systems and capital market instruments to meet financial goals while maximizing social returns.
“Public and private investors can play an instrumental role in shaping the ecosystem of self-sustaining enterprises and unlocking the full potential of Pakistan’s social entrepreneurs.”