Empowering Changemakers

Abstract

Social entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of positive change, allowing individuals to address social and environmental issues through innovative and sustainable business models. This approach requires a deep understanding of social challenges, strong business expertise, and collaboration to achieve common goals. Transversal skills like critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential and applicable across various industries and roles. By embracing digital transformation, social entrepreneurship can be further amplified, enabling the creation of new products, streamlined operations, and expanded outreach to diverse audiences. Staying well-informed about digital tools and technologies is vital for social entrepreneurs to effectively achieve their impact goals. This study focuses on evaluating students' perceptions of the relevance of their current training in acquiring skills sought after in the market, particularly in the context of social entrepreneurship. It also seeks to understand students' expectations for their professional future. Conducted at the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave in Portugal, the research utilized two questionnaires based on 21st-century competencies and the Profile of the Social Entrepreneur to collect data. The results of this empirical study hold significant potential for enhancing Higher Education. Identifying areas for improvement, such as curriculum redesign and innovative teaching approaches, can better equip students to address future challenges sustainably and responsibly. In an era of expanding digital transformation, it becomes increasingly vital to equip students with relevant skills and knowledge, enabling them to shape a better world through social entrepreneurship.