Social entrepreneurship in emerging economies

Social entrepreneurs often referred as the, ‘Agents of Change’ are committed to formulate innovative solutions for the most pressing problems in the world. These problems can be broadly classified into the areas related to education, health-care, environment and livelihood opportunities. In West, they are often termed as Philanthropreneures, wherein work is combined with philanthropy through sustainable and innovative solutions for gearing up the structural changes in the economy. Interestingly, they also cater to the most intractable social problems. For example, an organization that aims to provide livelihood opportunities to the victims of acid attack may open up a restaurant for employing them and also raise funds creating awareness about such issues in the society. The major industries comprising social entrepreneurs include entertainment, nutrition, sanitation, communication, livelihood, education, transportation, training and financial inclusion.