Promoting Social Entrepreneurship Through the SE.TC Project: A Collaborative Vision

The Social Entrepreneurship in Times of Crises (SE.TC) project funded by the European Union, through the Erasmus+ program, unites a consortium of Lebanese and European institutions. Lebanese institutions such as Université La Sagesse (ULS), Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ), Lebanese University (LU), and East International University (EIU), work alongside international partners including the International Telematic University (UNINETTUNO, Italy), the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS, Ireland), and UNIMED, the Mediterranean Universities Union.

With the mission of promoting social entrepreneurship during difficult times, the project intends to encourage faculty members and students to step into social innovation and impact-driven change.

The purpose of the SE.TC project is to empower people and communities in Lebanon by addressing the need for creativity and resilience in times of crisis. Its main goal is to promote social entrepreneurship by bringing together universities in Lebanon and Europe.

The project supports social entrepreneurship education, aligning with the mission of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (FEBA) at ULS. The objective is to enhance the role of higher education in tackling societal issues while equipping participants with the skills and knowledge required to drive change in their communities.

The project also focuses on implementing its ideas in key areas of Lebanon. Efforts for South Lebanon and Bekaa have been paused due to the war, but the plans for North Lebanon did not change.

In the first phase, a thorough needs assessment was conducted by FEBA, represented by Dr. Alain Osta, Director of PULSE (Pôle de l’Université La Sagesse pour l’Entrepreneuriat) and Chair of the Management Department. Key benefits and obstacles in developing social entrepreneurship were identified in a 113-page study that was based on 305 students and 54 faculty members’ responses to questionnaires from the four participating Lebanese universities.

The study revealed a strong interest in social entrepreneurship among students, alongside challenges such as limited access to resources and institutional support. Faculty input emphasized the need for updated teaching methods and curricula to effectively nurture entrepreneurial skills. These findings are shaping the development of targeted programs and tools to meet the needs of faculty members and students in Lebanon.
The anticipated outcomes for the next phase include skill-building training and workshops designed to equip faculty members and learners with the means to instruct, study, and engage in social entrepreneurship.

The SE.TC initiative continues to be a crucial platform for bringing significant changes in challenging circumstances by encouraging social entrepreneurship and enhancing cross-border cooperation. Université La Sagesse confirms its dedication to giving the next generation the tools they need for developing innovative societies.