A qualitative study on social entrepreneurship: technology-based social ventures and humanitarian entrepreneurial mindset

Abstract Seen as an effective approach for sustainable development of disenfranchised communities, spurring legislation initiatives and private investment, social entrepreneurship has gained the attention many economies across globe. Social arises practice solution access to education, healthcare, water, food, or electricity. In United States, several university programs are tackling technology-based ventures. While there been growth in assessing little exchange what works a program occurred. To contribute body empirical knowledge dedicated solutions which have potential stimulate global improvements, researcher performed qualitative analysis Penn State HESE program’s ENGR 451 course on entrepreneurship. The purpose this research was gather some baseline data about three areas connected developing culturally fit ventures humanitarian entrepreneurial mindset developed throughout process. paper reported grounded theory study using in-depth interviews with 49 students enrolled entrepreneurship, 70% studying engineering. analyzed two related engineering entrepreneurship: generated by participation process particular interest task-role distribution, idea generation, design-thinking stages. current is part larger exploring how learn learning influences their intent be start venture. findings impact design, intended inform educators entrepreneurs design mindset.