Gulbenkian Chair on Impact Economy
Promoter: Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and NOVA SBE
Territorial reach: National
SDG: 4. Quality Education, 8. Decent work and economic growth
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has joined forces with Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE) to create the Gulbenkian Chair on impact Economy, aimed at introducing the topics of social innovation, sustainability and impact in the university’s curricula and in the training of future leaders and decision makers.
Led by Pedro Oliveira, in addition to scientific research the Chair includes the coordination of a training programme for executives (Paradigm Shift) and a Master’s in Impact Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Paradigm Shift
Designed for professionals that hold leadership positions in companies (CEOs, directors, among other leaders), Paradigm Shift is an executive education programme that helps accelerate the transformation of companies seeking to implement sustainability strategies, that is, those looking to combine their economic prosperity and sustainability with social development and environmental sustainability, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
In the first two editions, companies such as Brisa, Sumol, Fidelidade, Santander, Sonae, EDP, Cofina, AGEAS, SCML, JLL, Esporão, and Tabaqueira took part in the programme, alongside SMEs such as Transformers, Carnalentejana, Speak, CodeforAll and GoParity.
Master’s in Impact Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The Master’s in Impact Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the first of its kind to be taught in Portugal, is designed to equip students, future leaders and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to help tackle social and environmental problems through the companies for which they come to work or their future business ventures.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation will award merit-based scholarships to students with financial difficulties who wish to take the Master’s degree. The best ideas emerging from the Master’s with the potential to become impact startups will also be rewarded.
The Master’s degree starts in the 2021/2022 academic year and submissions are now open (see regulation – in Portuguese only).
More infoResearch
In the field of research, several scientific papers have been published in leading international journals, notably in the MIT Sloan Management Review, Journal of Change Management and Kindai Management Review. Chapters of specialty books, particularly in the area of health innovation, have also been published.
Sustainable Development Goals
This project contributes to the following SDG targets
Target 4.4
By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship
Target 4.7
By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
Target 8.3
Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services