Social Network for RSA Fellows
Social Franchising: The Magic Bullet?
In a “Big Society” many of the exciting education and youth social enterprises that I advise will take on an increasingly important role. Some argue that “social franchising” is the key to scaling these organisation up quickly and effectively, but is this model of replication really the magic bullet we are promised?
I just posted this blog based on some research I carried out earlier this year. I'd love to know your thoughts on it.
Tags: bigsociety, education, socent, social-enterprise, social-franchising, youth
Views: 30
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Jeff Mowatt on -
Possibly Lois. On reflection it's a franchising approach of sorts we've been basing our work on over some years. Replication had been achieved in the work done in Tomsk,Siberia which was the proof of concept for our social purpose business model and that was managed and then replicated in several other cities by USAID.
Our 2004 paper prescribed a franchised cellular model for rural community broadband which would re-invest in the funding of new social enterprise. In this context it was both a franchise and self-replicating.
It hasn't worked yet though the potential still exists. Failure to find investment and be heard amongst social enterprise orthodoxy might be the reason.
Our efforts re-located to Eastern Europe to produce a national scale strategy for social enterprise in Ukraine where at least one component was franchise model.
-
-
Permalink Reply by Adrian Ashton on -
I've posted up a few pieces as well over the years on this subject - http://thirdsectorexpert.blogspot.com/2010/03/franchising-social-en...
and have been involved in social franchsing for about 12 years now in various capacities from involvement in at least 2 national programmes (so was slightly bemused to read that CAN are support a 'new' initiative into social franchising when they've run their own before, with some unexpected outcomes..), as well as creating new social franchise offers, critically evaluating others', and also managing franchises.
Anyways - I also looked at various models and theories of social franchising recently as part of my accredited level 6 advanced diploma in business support - which raised some interesting issues... (most of which I've covered in the linked to blog post above). Would be happy to share this freely once my assessor gives me the nod that it doesn't need any redrafting, and also happy to share stories in addition to those in the blog post and its links...
-
-
Permalink Reply by Adrian Ashton on
-
and in case anyone missed it, there was also an article in the Guardian last week on this issue as well - http://www.guardian.co.uk/social-enterprise-network/2011/jan/07/loo...
-
Review of RSA Fellowship nings, social networks
Over the next few months the RSAde Group will be consolidating regional social networks and nings.
The aim will be to improve connectivity for Fellows, improve communication and reduce fragmentation.
If you would like further information on these changes please contact the RSAde team via the Digital Engagement group on this network.
RSA Vision
About the RSA
RSA Events
The Power of Vulnerability
Influential author and speaker Dr Brené Brown tackles the myth that vulnerability is a weakness. Instead, she argues, it is the clearest path to courage and meaningful connection, and has the power to transform the way we engage and educate.Leading Change
With many of us facing an ever greater pace of change in our personal and working lives, leadership adviser and educator Richard Gerver reveals how to adapt and thrive - not to fear change but to see it as an opportunity for creative reinventionFrom the digital divide to inclusive innovation: the case of digital money
To mark the launch of a new RSA pamphlet, we bring together an expert panel to discuss the growing use of digital money worldwide, highlight its potential and consider the issues that will facilitate or hamper its reach.Notes
Guide to RSA online communities
Created by Matthew Kálmán Mezey Dec 6, 2011 at 11:03am. Last updated by Matthew Kálmán Mezey Jun 22, 2012.
Apply for Fellowship today!
Created by Gurmeet Singh Feb 24, 2012 at 2:07pm. Last updated by Gurmeet Singh Feb 24, 2012.
Other social media guides
Created by Matthew Kálmán Mezey Nov 19, 2011 at 9:23pm. Last updated by Matthew Kálmán Mezey Dec 6, 2011.
© 2013 Created by RSA Networks.
