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Certificate in Social Innovation | Institute for Entrepreneurship | Rome
Institute for Entrepreneurship
Certificate in Social Innovation | Institute for Entrepreneurship | Rome

Certificate in Social Innovation

The concept of social innovation is gaining momentum among academics and practitioners, becoming the new frontier of social and community development. This movement entails building and strengthening ecosystem interactions and relationships, moving towards an integrated approach to the economic, technological, social, and environmental aspects of development. Ultimately, it aims to create sustainability and deliver a sense of equal prosperity.

This mindset contributes to the university’s service spirit, promotes an understanding of how everyone can contribute to a better society, and prepares students for a life of civic engagement.

In line with JCU’s mission to encourage responsible leadership and positive contributions to the world, the JCU Institute for Entrepreneurship, the Center for Graduate Studies, and the JCU Community Service Program have partnered to offer a unique Certificate in Social Innovation. This program gives students the opportunity to observe social change through a holistic and cross-disciplinary lens while developing entrepreneurial thinking and practical skills.

The Certificate is open to all students, from any major, whether or not they already have a business, entrepreneurship, or political science background. It is also open to students in the MA in Art History and Continuing Education programs.

Structure

To earn the Certificate, students must satisfactorily complete all three of the following components:

1. Academics
Complete at least one of the following 3-credit courses:

  • BUS 398 For-credit internship involving entrepreneurial activities, whether in startups, innovation-driven organizations, or entrepreneurial roles within established companies centered around social innovation and the creation of social value
  • MGT 345 Social Entrepreneurship
  • MKT 355 Social Marketing and Fundraising
  • BUS 345ii Innovation Management

2. Social Innovation Ecosystem
Engage in at least one of the following:

  • Attend three events, speaker series, or initiatives related to social change and social innovation, organized or supported by IFE, the Center for Graduate Studies, or selected student clubs officially associated with the Certificate in Social Innovation. The updated list of qualifying events can be found on the JCU Institute for Entrepreneurship webpage and on the  JCU Public Calendar webpage by clicking on “Search” and selecting the “Institute for Entrepreneurship” Category;
  • Participate in the Alamgir Non-Profit Marketing Case Award*;
  • Participate in the Alamgir Award for Research in Developmental Economics**.

* The Alamgir Non-Profit Marketing Case Award
A €500 annual prize for the best student-written original case study in sustainable non-profit or social marketing.

** The Alamgir Award for Research in Developmental Economics
A €500 research grant for students writing their senior thesis on a sustainable development topic, with advisor endorsement and a clear budget proposal.

3. Experiential Learning
Complete at least one of the following:

  • Volunteer 10 hours through the JCU Community Service Program with any affiliated association, gaining fieldwork experience and nurturing social responsibility;
  • Participate in the No-Code App Solutions workshop (for more details, reach out to [email protected]);
  • Complete the JCU Service Learning Program;
  • Participate in a competition or program organized by the Institute for Entrepreneurship focused on a social venture idea, such as JCU Enactus.

Benefits

Students who successfully complete the certificate will:

  • Gain a solid understanding of how to identify and address social issues;
  • Meet entrepreneurs, professionals, and academics working in social innovation;
  • Apply knowledge to real-world challenges;
  • Understand how economic, technological, social, and environmental aspects are interconnected;
  • Add a tangible credential to their resume demonstrating commitment to social innovation.

How to Participate

Once all three requirements have been completed, students may request the Certificate by filling out the online application form.

All requirements should be fulfilled within one semester.

Deadline to apply: two weeks before the end of the Fall or Spring semester.

For questions or clarifications, please contact [email protected].