Thinking and Acting Like a Platform Will Help Social Entrepreneurs Create Impact at Scale
Ashoka republished an article originally published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review. At PHI, we are adopting this model to create impact at scale.
Social entrepreneurship is, at its core, about creating impactful solutions to societal issues. Yet the approach has often been confined to a rather linear problem-solving model. The social entrepreneur identifies an issue, crafts a solution, and then scales it. But what if we told you that there’s a more effective way to create change on a broader scale? This is where the concept of “platform thinking” comes into play. Instead of being the lone problem solver, social entrepreneurs can act as enablers, creating platforms that mobilize local changemakers to develop their own solutions.
The Paradigm Shift: From Problem Solver to Enabler
Traditional models of social entrepreneurship have their merits, but they often encounter limitations when it comes to scaling. These limitations are largely due to a top-down approach, wherein solutions are crafted by the entrepreneur and then handed down to communities. But every community is unique—with its own set of challenges and resources—so what works in one context may not be as effective in another.
Platform thinking inverts this pyramid. Instead of crafting a one-size-fits-all solution, the social entrepreneur builds a framework—a platform—that allows local problem solvers to innovate and tailor solutions for their specific context. At Pivot Holdings International (PHI), we understand the potential of this approach. Through our suite of advisory networks, coaching programs, and resources, we are building a global ecosystem that aims to empower not just entrepreneurs but entire communities.
Scaling Impact Through Local Changemakers
By thinking like a platform, social entrepreneurs can move away from the exhausting task of personally scaling solutions to letting others in the community take charge. Imagine creating a platform that supports local organic farmers by connecting them to markets, or one that offers training and resources for small-scale social entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Now, you’re not just solving a problem; you’re creating a space where multiple solutions can flourish, and where community members themselves become agents of change.
At PHI, we are deeply committed to this idea of turning social entrepreneurs into enablers. Our mission is to provide an array of holistic programs, mentorship opportunities, and financial advice that social entrepreneurs need to build impactful platforms. The goal is to build a network of localized solutions that contribute to a larger global impact.
Thinking and acting like a platform has the power to turn social entrepreneurs into catalysts for large-scale change. By leveraging community-specific insights and empowering local changemakers, we can redefine what it means to be successful in social entrepreneurship. After all, isn’t the ultimate goal to build a world where solutions are not only impactful but also sustainable and contextually relevant? Let’s make that world a reality.
