About the Centre

Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation studies (CSE) was founded in 2011. Its key objective is promotion of the development of social entrepreneurship and social innovation in Russia by means of research, expertise, and consulting of the key stakeholders in the fields of social entrepreneurship, social innovation, venture philanthropy, social economy, involvement of non-government organizations in provision of social services. 

We understand social entrepreneurship as solving social problems through commercial means with the help of innovative solutions in which both for-profit and non-profit organizations are involved. This is a new practice that combines  economic efficiency and entrepreneurial savvy inherent in business with the focus on social needs and social integration. Since the first special foundation for the support of social entrepreneurship was launched in 2007 ("Our Future" Fund) social entrepreneurship in Russia has attained more visibility and public recognition however it still lacks systemic support both from the government bodies and business. Besides, there still remains a shortage of knowledge especially in the Russian regions about different organizational forms and  business models that help new ideas of social entrepreneurs to achieve social results and maintain economic sustainability. Our Center's mission is  to fill this gap and to form center of competence in the field of social entrepreneurship and social innovation on the basis of HSE. Students of different departments of the University are also starting to actively participate in our work.

We combine in one team researchers, advisors and teachers in order they  can nurture each other and contribute to more integrated solutions. Our team is not limited by those who have formal contracts with the Center, we work in partnership with different public and private organizations as well as other departments of HSE that shared our goals.