Doing Good By Approaching Well: Enhancing a System Thinking Mindset and Ecosystem for Student Entrepreneurs Tackling Systemic Issues in Growth Markets.

Abstract

According to the United Nations, if current trends persist, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will not be met until 2082. The social, environmental, and economic issues behind these goals are inherently systemic and have often been inadequately addressed by governments, companies, and nonprofits. A systemic lens is essential for tackling these root causes and fostering strategic collaboration among stakeholders to achieve a systemic shift. Combining entrepreneurship with systemic thinking emerges as a powerful approach to drive this change. The Legatum Center at MIT has been at the forefront of empowering aspiring student entrepreneurs to address pressing issues in growth markets, fostering innovation and prosperity. This thesis delves into the concept of system thinking, system change entrepreneurship, and proposes tailored frameworks and recommendations for the Legatum Center. These proposals aim to cultivate a systemic change entrepreneurial environment, equip aspiring student system change entrepreneurs, and further position Legatum as a central force in MIT promoting prosperity and change through a systemic approach to purpose-driven entrepreneurship.