Muneeb Ahmed serves as the Director of CMACED- Centre for Entrepreneurship Development

Sustainable development has become a necessary goal for countries around the globe, including Pakistan. With increasing concerns about social, economic, and environmental challenges, educational institutions in Lahore are rising as key contributors to promoting sustainability. Recent research emphasizes how social entrepreneurship education (SEE) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are influencing sustainable behaviors among students, cultivating a new generation of socially aware leaders.

Published in Industry and Higher Education, the study highlights the transformative role of SEE and CSR in promoting sustainability among university students in Lahore. Conducted with 271 undergraduate students from private universities, the research examines how these educational interventions impact students’ perceptions and behaviors.

The results were insightful: social entrepreneurship education significantly enhanced students’ perceptions of CSR and encouraged sustainable behavior (Stobierski, 2023). Moreover, CSR served as a crucial link between educational exposure and students’ environmentally and socially responsible actions. The institutional environment also played a moderating role, amplifying the positive effects of SEE on students’ CSR perceptions and subsequent behaviors (Afridi et al., 2021; Rodhiah & Hidayah, 2023). Universities with a supportive learning atmosphere experienced higher engagement and commitment to sustainability initiatives.

An In-Depth Assessment of the Findings

Students engaged in social entrepreneurship courses showed a greater inclination toward sustainable practices. The curriculum equipped them with strong problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of community needs. Furthermore, CSR activities served as a bridge between education and sustainable behavior. By participating in socially responsible initiatives, students gained a deeper understanding of their societal impact. Additionally, universities that created a supportive environment by offering mentorship and creative opportunities enhanced the positive effects of SEE, fostering sustainable thinking and action.

Implications for Educational Institutions

The study underscores the need for educational institutions to integrate SEE and CSR into their curricula. By doing so, they can produce graduates who are not only career-ready but also socially responsible citizens.

To achieve this, universities must create a supportive institutional environment that encourages experiential learning, collaboration, and innovation. Partnering with industry and NGOs can further enrich students’ learning experiences.

Recommendations for Stakeholders

For Universities:

• Create courses that not only teach the theory of social entrepreneurship but also offer hands-on opportunities for students to launch and manage social ventures. Collaborate with local businesses and NGOs to provide practical experiences that reinforce classroom learning. Inspire students to identify and tackle social issues in their communities through project-based learning.

• Incorporate CSR-focused modules that engage students in real-world community projects and social impact initiatives. Additionally, it connects students with experienced social entrepreneurs and CSR leaders to provide guidance and support inspiration.

• Create spaces for students to explore sustainable business ideas and receive feedback from industry experts. Foster an environment where students feel empowered to think creatively, experiment, and take ownership of sustainability initiatives. Additionally, showcase student-led social ventures and CSR achievements to inspire others.

For Policymakers and NGOs:

• Build partnerships between educational institutions, businesses, and NGOs to offer joint programs and sustainability initiatives.

• Allocate grants and resources for educational institutions to develop and sustain SEE and CSR initiatives.

• Highlight the importance of social entrepreneurship and CSR through national campaigns and recognition programs.

• Foster an environment where students feel empowered to think creatively, experiment, and take ownership of sustainability initiatives.

In conclusion, as educational models increasingly integrate social entrepreneurship and CSR, they hold immense potential to inspire a broader movement toward sustainability. By empowering students with the right education and values, educational institutions can play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and socially responsible future. This approach provides a blueprint for how education can be a driving force for positive change—not just in specific regions but across nations and beyond.

About the Author, Muneeb Ahmed serves as the Director of CMACED- Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Assistant Professor at Superior University in Lahore, Pakistan. He has extensive research experience and expertise in key areas such as entrepreneurship, human resource management, green HR strategies, organizational behavior, and corporate innovation. His impactful work has advanced sustainable practices and strengthened collaborations between the education sector and industry.

References

Afridi, F. E. A., Jan, S., Ayaz, B., Irfan, M. J., & Khan, Q. (2021). The impact of institutional factors on social entrepreneurship activities: an empirical evidence from Pakistan. Revista Amazonia Investiga, 10(43), 41-48.

Rodhiah, R., & Hidayah, N. (2023). The Influence of Institutional Environment, Experience, and Education on Social Entrepreneurship. International Journal of Management Science and Application, 2(2), 76-86.

Stobierski, T. (2023). THE BENEFITS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TRAINING.