Scaling the right answers – Creating and maintaining hope through social entrepreneurship in light of humanitarian crises

Abstract

Triggered by the Russo–Ukrainian war starting early in 2022 and the subsequent movement of refugees toward various European countries, this rapid response paper provides five reflections on the role of social entrepreneurship in light of humanitarian crises. We validate two problems with the help of a problem owner from social entrepreneurial practice and suggest answers to them grounded in existing evidence documented in the academic literature (translational research approach). First, we show how social entrepreneurs can focus on solving the right problems in chaotic and fast-paced crises, and second, we illustrate measures to scale appropriately. Finally, on a meta-level, hope emerges as an additional answer. Even if social entrepreneurs should not address the “right” problems and even if they scale inappropriately, in light of any humanitarian crises, they still contribute value by creating hope for their societies, their stakeholders, and for themselves.