NEC Collaborates with Yokohama City University to Foster Young Social Entrepreneurs

On November 21, NEC participated in a special lecture titled "Social Contribution Practicum" organized by Yokohama City University’s Faculty of International Economics, in partnership with ETIC. and BANSO-CO. As a supporting company for ETIC.'s program, "NEC Social Entrepreneurship School," NEC plays a vital role in nurturing young social entrepreneurs who aspire to solve social challenges through business practices.

The primary objective of the lecture was to enhance understanding of companies and individuals actively engaged in social contributions, particularly in relation to the SDGs. This year marked the fourth consecutive year that NEC and ETIC. took part in this initiative, underlining their commitment to promoting social entrepreneurship.

This year's theme was centered on the partnership between businesses and the social sector, focusing on the importance of collaboration in addressing societal issues. The session began with an introduction to the "NEC Social Entrepreneurship School" by ETIC., followed by an overview from NEC regarding its program aimed at nurturing early-stage entrepreneurs. They shared insights on the dialogues and exchanges that evolve between NEC employees and entrepreneurs, showcasing examples of digital utilization and co-creation.

BANSO-CO, a graduate of the NEC program, provided an overview of its founding motivations and the nature of its business, including its collaboration with NEC. Following the lecture, students actively engaged by asking questions, reflecting a strong interest in the topic.

Student Feedback (Selected Quotes)

- "I was reminded of the importance of discovering ways to achieve both social contribution and profit, which are often seen as conflicting. Viewing social contributions as 'value creation' rather than a burden is crucial for future corporate management."
- "Japan has a vast number of startups, supported by various companies and initiatives. It was inspiring to see so many individuals passionately working to improve the world in their unique ways."
- "The discussion on collaborations between startups and large corporations was impactful, as startups can provide agility and flexibility, which can benefit larger firms. Understanding the significance of their cooperation in creating value through the 'entrepreneurship school' initiative was enlightening."

Insights from Professor Yoshinaga of Yokohama City University

Professor Yoshinaga emphasized the meaningfulness of teaching students to identify social issues as personal matters and learn how businesses, NPOs, and entrepreneurs can collaborate as equals to tackle these challenges. Initiatives like the "NEC Social Entrepreneurship School" play a critical role in developing talent that generates new social value.

With an increasing number of students interested in social issues and contributions, he believes that engaging with real-world case studies such as this will help them contemplate their future career paths and societal involvement. He hopes they can take courageous steps toward making the world a better place.

NEC’s Commitment

NEC aims to provide opportunities for students to understand the efforts of social entrepreneurs and businesses working to address social issues. By fostering a deeper interest in societal challenges among future generations, NEC hopes to inspire actions toward a sustainable future.

For more information regarding this initiative, you can contact:
Corporate Communications Division, NEC
E-Mail: [email protected]