SSIR Online, Summer 2023 Issue

(Photo by iStock/hrui) 

Molding Markets

ARTICLE | The Missing Tool in the Climate Fight

The time has come to launch a more expansive second wave of green market shaping, write Dai Ellis and Oliver Sabot. Thus far, decarbonization efforts have too narrowly relied on major government policies and “push” funding—such as grants, loans, and equity investment—while under-exploiting the kinds of creative finance that have worked in other sectors, like global health. For example, private market-shaping efforts spurred huge advances in the affordability of antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV by organizing and de-risking demand. Could they do the same or clean-energy technology?

A New Look at Leadership

IN-DEPTH SERIES | Recognizing Leadership in All Its Forms

A hero narrative that enshrines on kind of leadership and the individuals who embody it dominates cultures worldwide. Yet leadership takes many forms. There is no right way to lead, and no single individual can drive systemic change alone. This article series, produced in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and others involved in the Beyond the Hero leadership initiative, attempts to broaden notions of leadership and shares tools for advancing leadership that disrupts structural injustices.

Perspective From Brazil

ARTICLE | In Search of Inclusive Social Entrepreneurship

As the field of social entrepreneurship seeks solutions for social inequalities, it often falls short of creating opportunities for those who suffer most from those inequalities to become protagonists. In this article, a group of authors from Brazil explain why social entrepreneurs from poor communities often struggle to replicate the successes of those who come from higher social classes. They also offer some suggestions for how to better support those individuals and thereby decolonize the sector.

Lesson From Ukraine

ARTICLE | Telemedicine in Ukraine Is Showing High-Tech Isn’t Always Better

We’re seeing remarkable advances in telemedicine stemming from the international aid response to the war in Ukraine. What have we learned that could be applied in the united states and globally? To start, advanced technology isn’t required—the vast majority of visits involve only text. That format allows clinicians to respond asynchronously and thereby handle many more patients than they otherwise would, an advantage that could play a huge part in addressing a looming shortage of primary-care physicians in the United States. 

Funder Accountability

ARTICLE | Don’t Feed the Zombies

Many nonprofits don’t accomplish much at all, according to some experts. But that doesn’t stop them from continuing to raise funds and stay afloat. “I used to blame these organizations, wondering why they didn’t work harder, smarter,” writes Mulago Foundation CEO Kevin Starr. “The absence of accountability for impact is the bane of the social sector, and it seemed obvious that they were the prime offenders. But they’re not. It’s us, the funders.” How can funders do better? Starr suggests they start with five simple questions.

Read more stories by SSIR Editors.