Between August 2019 and February 2020, I had the honor of serving as a Research Scholar at the Social Innovation Acceleration Program (SIAP) in Indonesia. This enriching experience allowed me to delve deep into the realm of social entrepreneurship, focusing specifically on impact management for early-stage social enterprises in Indonesia.
An Incubator for Change: Understanding SIAP
SIAP is a startup incubation program committed to nurturing aspiring and early-stage social entrepreneurs. By offering mentorship, personal and team development, business development, and impact assessment methodology, SIAP equips social entrepreneurs with the tools they need to turn their innovative ideas into reality.
A Deep Dive into Impact Management
As part of my journey with SIAP, I dedicated my undergraduate thesis to investigating impact management in the context of early-stage social enterprises in Indonesia. Submitted to the Hochschule Konstanz in 2020, my research was grounded in the experiences of the pilot Impact Management Bootcamps facilitated by SIAP across various Indonesian cities: Solo, Malang, Makassar, and Jakarta.
The objective of my thesis was twofold: First, to provide a comprehensive overview of the landscape of social entrepreneurship and the importance of impact management tools for early-stage social entrepreneurs in Indonesia. Second, to highlight the experiences of social entrepreneurs who participated in the Impact Management Bootcamps and derive valuable conclusions and recommendations to support them in amplifying their impact.
Facilitating Knowledge Exchange
In addition to my research, I facilitated three workshops on strategic impact management for entrepreneurs. These sessions provided a platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building, enabling entrepreneurs to gain a clearer understanding of how to manage and maximize their social impact.
Moreover, I developed impact measurement guidelines for Indonesian early-stage social enterprise startups. These guidelines serve as a practical tool for startups to assess and track their social impact, fostering transparency and accountability.
An Opportunity Made Possible by DAAD
I am immensely grateful to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for providing the scholarship that made this incredible journey possible. It was truly an enriching experience, and the insights and skills I gained continue to inform my understanding of social entrepreneurship and impact management.
Looking back at my time with SIAP, I am inspired by the tremendous potential of social enterprises to drive meaningful change. I am committed to leveraging the knowledge and experience I gained during this journey to continue supporting social innovation and making a positive impact in the world.
My Key Learnings
Understanding the Practical Applicability of Impact Management Tools: My research allowed me to understand how these tools can be effectively implemented in early-stage social enterprises in Indonesia.
Navigating Unique Challenges: During my time in SIAP, I came to appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities that social entrepreneurs in Indonesia face.
Facilitation Skills: Facilitating workshops on strategic impact management sharpened my skills in effective facilitation, a critical aspect of managing teams and driving projects forward.
Guideline Development: Creating impact measurement guidelines for early-stage social enterprises in Indonesia taught me the importance of well-structured guidelines in shaping effective impact measurement strategies.
Appreciation of Social Entrepreneurship: My experience at SIAP deepened my understanding of the transformational power of social entrepreneurship and its potential to drive sustainable change.
Value of Hands-On Experience: Being on the ground, interacting with entrepreneurs, and witnessing the challenges and triumphs they face, emphasized the value of hands-on experience in understanding the dynamics of social entrepreneurship.