International Research Project Social Enterprise in a global context: The Role of Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) 1. Context and background This project responds to developments in both the Higher Education and Social Enterprise sectors in the UK and internationally by seeking to understand and enhance the role of international co-operation between Higher Education Institutions (HEI) and social enterprises (SE). The role of HEIs in promoting and contributing to the social enterprise sector appears to be increasing given the growing interest of students and scholars in combining societal good and business. While HEI involvement in social enterprises has been assessed on a national level, less attention has been given to the role of existing and unfolding international co-operation. This project fills this gap by conducting activities including research, experts meetings and the promotion of HEI s role in social enterprises in public and private forums across 4 continents. About the British Council The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. The purpose of the British Council is to create international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and build trust between them worldwide. The British Council (or 'Council') has principal offices located in 10 Spring Gardens, London SW1 2BN and Bridgewater House, 58 Whitworth Street, Manchester M1 6BB. The British Council has offices based in the UK and in 109 countries. More information about our work can be found at: http://www.britishcouncil.org/ In Higher Education, The British Council works to connect the UK with the global higher education sector to bring greater opportunities and increased access to high quality tertiary level education in order to broaden horizons and build futures About British Council s Global Social Enterprise programme Social enterprises address social and environmental problems through innovative solutions that improve people s lives in our communities and societies. The British Council s Global Social Enterprise programme draws on the UK experience in social enterprise to promote its growth around the world. We build capacity in the sector, forge international networks, and support policy leaders to create ecosystems in which social enterprise and social investment can thrive. 1
Our work supports positive social change, inclusive growth and sustainable development while building trust and creating opportunities between the UK and other countries. 2. Research Framework For this study we are considering a Social Enterprise to be a business that trades to tackle social problems, improve communities, people s life chances, or the environment. They make their money from selling goods and services in the open market, but they reinvest their profits back into the business or the local community. (definition from socialenterpise.org.uk) We are specifically considering Social Enterprises with an international dimension, and those which include a degree of international collaboration. The project s research will include: 1) A mapping of social enterprise activities led by HEIs in 6-8 selected 1 countries representing Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia, for example: o Asia: China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Viet Nam o Europe: Croatia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom o Africa: South Africa, Ghana o Latin America: Mexico, Brazil 2) The development and implementation of a qualitative and quantitative research framework that captures the contribution of HEI involvement and the impact of multi/bilateral co-operations on local, national and regional level in social enterprises and related communities in these countries. 3) The development of a novel publication (and infographics ) to present the research and mapping of best practices (case studies). 3. Research aim and objectives This study will aim to identify: the benefits and challenges of partnership between HEIs and SEs operating within an international context In order to support the above aim, the detailed objectives of the study are: To produce a list of existing partnerships between HEIs and SE throughout the agreed study countries To identify those partnerships which involve an international collaboration To capture the benefits of existing cooperation between SE and HEIs To capture information on the impacts of such cooperation on various stakeholders including: o Students o Social entrepreneurs o funders 1 The final list of selected countries is subject to change on the basis of the qualification of submitted proposals. 2
To produce one case study for each of the study countries detailing how a SE and a HEI have developed partnerships in education and sustainable development To highlight instances of good practice in developing SE partnerships with HEIs To highlight examples of opportunities and challenges relating to collaboration To highlight effective approaches to developing SE partnerships in an international context It is expected that the findings from this research will: 1 facilitate dialogue, networking and knowledge exchange between Global experts on this topic; opening up avenues for greater international cooperation between HEIs and a stronger global narrative on social value and the contribution of this activity to achieving the SDGs 2 assess and promote the role of HEIs in social enterprises and the benefits of existing co-operation. Provide and analysis of opportunities and challenges related to collaboration and the effects on stakeholders including: social entrepreneurs, students and funders 3 provide a body of evidence which could further support and inform further research and collaboration opportunities and engage a wide range of key actors, e.g. through the British Council s Going Global programme, UK Portal for social enterprise (due to be launched in 2015), and other international conferences. 3
4. Methodology The final methodology used for this research project will be agreed by the appointed research agency in consultation with the British Council. It is expected that this research would include: a succinct literature review further desk research is required to analyze the existing partnerships, scope and impact of collaboration between HEIs and the Social Enterprise sector in the identified countries. interviews and other qualitative data collection to demonstrate the impact of international cooperation between HEIs and the social enterprise sector is desirable, e.g. interviewing SEs, students, local communities. case study methodology will be employed to better understand how interactions between the HEIs and Social Enterprise sector have evolved over time. The case studies will include different examples to identify the most effective approaches that may be of relevance beyond the host country. a partner institution in each country will conduct the research at a national level. The lead coordinating partner will carry out the research in their home country and manage / coordinate research activities in the other participating countries. 5. Outputs 1) Detailed report explaining the methodology, detailing the findings and opportunities of mapping exercise, case study research and best practices on the role of HEIs in social enterprises and International co-operation 2) Recommended actions to enable more partnerships between HEIs and SE internationally with greater impact 3) Infographics on the research and mapping of co-operation between HEI and social enterprises 4) All data should be supplied to British Council in Microsoft format. The appointed organisation should also consider innovative ways of data visualisation, e.g. heat maps, easy to digest ranking tables, good graphical presentation of results. 5) Availability to participate and present at relevant key meetings as defined by British Council 6. Responding to this tender 6.1 Submission requirements Response to the tender document with details on how you propose to approach the research objectives (max. 10 A4 pages) Short biography indicating previous relevant research work and experience of each team member who will be involved in this project (max. 1 A4 for narrative biography + max. 3 A4 pages annex with CV) Project plan showing utilisation of suggested team members (max. 2 A4 pages) 4
Detailed costing of each of the research items Detailed timescale. 6.2 Profile of the appointed organisation The British Council is looking to appoint a reputable organisation with the following qualities: Strong research and macroeconomic data portfolio, evidenced by previous projects Expertise in international education and macroeconomic research evidenced by previous research projects and consultancy carried out for education and government establishments Strong dedicated team with suitable experience and qualifications Knowledge and experience of HE and Social Enterprise sectors. 6.3 Timing The table below shows the key dates for the tender process. Activities Date Tender (this document) is issued 4 February 2015 Deadline for receipt of queries 18 February 2015 Deadline for submission of tenders 17.00 hrs (GMT), 26 February 2015 Evaluation of proposals completed 2 March 2015 Decision made on successful organisation 5 March 2015 Project kick-off meeting w/b March 2015 Interim Review Sept / Oct 2015 Project completion date April / May 2016 British Council s Higher Education team in Manchester should receive your submission no later than 26 February 2015. Please send us your proposal to: Mr Kevin VAN CAUTER British Council 58 Whitworth Street Manchester M1 6BB E: kevin.vancauter@britishcouncil.org 5
6.4 Evaluation process An evaluation panel, consisting of IU and British Council staff, will review all evidence presented within tenders. The panel will evaluate the tenders on the basis of the following criteria (not listed in order of priority): Understands the requirements of the project The team has relevant experience and expertise and is allocated to appropriate roles The proposed methodology is appropriate and understands the challenges and limitations that may be involved Proposes a practical, high quality, programme of work, achievable within the specified timetable Implements appropriate quality assurance and risk management procedures and fully considers any ethical issues Demonstrates value for money through clear, realistic budget breakdown For further information, please contact: Mr Kevin VAN CAUTER British Council E: kevin.van-cauter@britishcouncil.org 6