World Economic Forum presents Romanian solution as an ally for governments

According to World Economic Forum,  “systems social entrepreneurs” are actors who develop innovative approaches to persistent, complex social problems by employing systems thinking.

“They are a source of proven innovations for the good of all and create the conditions and support for sustainable, equitable systems change through their participative methods, entrepreneurial mindset, and trusted relationships with affected communities”, mentions the conference talk where Victor van Vuuren (Director, Enterprises Department, International Labour Organization), François Bonnici (Director Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, Head Social Innovation, World Economic Forum), Diana Wells (President Emerita, Ashoka) and Koen Vermeltfoort (Partner, McKinsey & Company, Netherlands) debated.

The debate argued how by collaborating with systems social entrepreneurs and institutionalizing social innovations, governments can boost the achievement of positive change for all of society. As a example, Diana Wells from Ashoka mentioned how the Romanian government is building on the holistic, interdisciplinary approach developed by NoRo, a patients-run reference centre for rare diseases, in the design of a public accreditation scheme for doctors treating rare diseases.

The facility is run by Dorica Dan, a Romanian Ashoka Fellow, who prototyped her vision of care through NoRo, the only patients-run reference center for rare diseases in Europe, organised as a collaborative team of partners committed to building a straightforward pathway for patients. She convinced local authorities to provide the space and raised Norwegian funds to design a unique one stop shop where 10% of the diagnosed patients in Romania are getting holistic and cross-sectorial medical, social and educational services. The center also has the only registry for rare diseases patients in Romania.

Patients may find out about NoRo online, from their doctors or via NoRo HelpLine, which has oriented almost 2000 patients (ie. 26% of the diagnosed population). They get access to diagnostics and therapies which are covered by the national health insurance, as well as individual and group counselling and social integration activities aimed to help them acquire a set of life and work abilities.

While World Economic Forum talks about both trends and future of worldwide nations, we are all currently facing societal systems which are still not working to the equal benefit of all members of society, resulting in growing division and instability. Furthermore, probably COVID-19 has in many ways worsened this situation, as health outcomes continue to be worse for disadvantaged groups, social entrepreneurs may fill this gap and actually help out for collaboration between different sectors and actors.

The complete overview regarding systems social entrepreneurs who are the new allies for governments to achieve equitable lasting change can be read here.

Photo courtesy of World Economic Forum