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Barrier 2: Centralized, Slow-to Change Systems
3. BARRIER: Imbalanced Attention to Resource Distribution and Discovery Across Subfields
Actionable Solution: Fund more innovations in climate fields where social entrepreneurship is underrepresented
Our analysis of Ashoka Fellows’ solutions revealed that innovations are concentrated in certain fields, such as Food & Agriculture, Environmental Education, and Biodiversity & Conservation. Areas in our sample that are currently underrepresented—for example, Green Finance, which is the primary focus of only 4% of survey respondents —can greatly benefit from more resources with the purpose of identifying and supporting innovations within these sub-fields. Rather than simply focusing on the climate issues featured in mass media or prioritized by other companies and organizations, those seeking to make maximum impact must work to deeply understand the most vital climate issues in a particular region and time. We must also recognize the value of supporting multiple climate action strategies holistically. Companies and organizations should ensure their sustainability strategies include both mitigation (to protect against future threats facing the planet) and adaptation (to respond to the current crisis). In building these strategies with particular attention to context and broader impact, social entrepreneurs serve as critical allies.
Rising to the Challenge
To create new and wider environmental solutions, Ashoka turns to social entrepreneurs working in subfields including housing, transport or industry —where innovation is both needed and can create societal impact on a massive scale. Not only do Fellows spark change in their communities, they serve as allies to partners in other sectors, bridging challenges and solutions from diverse perspectives.
Over the next five years, Ashoka will fund 50 Fellows with a strategic goal of finding innovators in underrepresented fields. As each Fellow impacts an average of 220,000 people, this brings solutions to 11 million people directly and creates the pathway for exponential impact.
