Sat Jan 18 10:20:00 UTC 2025: ## NEC and Social Entrepreneurs Forge Path Towards Collaborative Future at 2024 Forum

**Tokyo, Japan – November 29, 2024** – NEC Corporation held its annual Social Entrepreneur Forum on November 28th, marking 22 years of supporting social entrepreneurs through its collaboration with ETIC., a non-profit organization. Over 150 NEC employees participated online, alongside in-person attendees, including social entrepreneurs who have partnered with NEC for over a decade.

The forum, themed “Co-creation between Social Entrepreneurs and Corporations,” featured a keynote address by Kumiko Fujisawa, president of NEC’s International Institute for Socio-Economic Research. Fujisawa, involved since the forum’s inception in 2003, highlighted the evolving landscape of social entrepreneurship, noting a persistent dichotomy between social entrepreneurs focused on problem-solving and corporations driven by profit. She emphasized the critical role of individual collaboration in navigating the digital revolution and leveraging AI for mutual benefit. Fujisawa stressed that a broad perspective, incorporating diverse experiences and long-term vision, is key to effective leadership in driving societal change. She posited that collaboration with social entrepreneurs offers corporations invaluable learning opportunities, access to innovative approaches, and expansion of their networks.

Panel discussions included representatives from NEC, ETIC, and successful social enterprises such as Carepro, Inc., which provides affordable health checkups. Participants discussed the challenges and opportunities of co-creation, emphasizing the need to move beyond mere corporate social responsibility initiatives towards strategic partnerships that deliver both social and business value. The panel highlighted the importance of building broad consensus and leveraging digital tools to amplify impact.

Table talks featuring NEC employees and social entrepreneurs underscored the mutual learning opportunities involved in such collaborations. NEC employees expressed a desire to adopt the focused, problem-solving approach of social entrepreneurs. The forum concluded with a strong commitment to continued collaboration between NEC and the social entrepreneurship sector, with plans already in place for next year’s event.

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