• Gemeente Amsterdam Cluster Ruimte en Economie

• Explorative,
• SME's & business

• Economics & Business

Towards a more resilient economy: The contribution of Impact Entrepreneurs

A perspective paper by Impact Hub Amsterdam and Amsterdam Impact

Long, opaque value chains. Polluting production. Unhealthy consumption. Unfair distribution of power and revenues. Our system is cracking at the seams: it's time for fundamental change. Many organisations and
entrepreneurs have been committed to transition for some time, with varying degrees of success. The COVID-19 measures are sharpening the necessity and opportunities for change: not only are the flaws in the system clearer than ever, we are also seeing accelerated innovation taking place in some areas. However, there is also the danger that we will soon forget these lessons after the crisis and turn back to “normal”. How is it that we retain these new innovations and collaborations and use them to accelerate the transition towards an economy focused on creating shared value?

This perspective paper offers insights into the impact entrepreneurs* field in Amsterdam and beyond. We provide a mapping of emerging issues derived from what the municipality is already doing to capture the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on citizens of Amsterdam** and from the lived experience of the Impact Hub locally and globally*** in witnessing what are surfacing/growing issues at city-level within its networks of impact entrepreneurs and partners. We also share some emerging responses and recommendations for action to ensure the viability - and thriveability - of Amsterdam’s impact entrepreneurs and social innovators through the current COVID-19 situation and for the post-COVID-19 period of economic renewal. As concerns of economic bounce-back consume leaders of our business, political and social sectors, impact entrepreneurs have been busy interconnecting with each other and those most affected by the crisis to find new ways forward.

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