As states struggle to resolve social, economic and environmental challenges, attention has turned to the potential of private action to provide innovative and far-reaching solutions. In the Marshall Institute Lecture Series LSE students, alumni and staff, together with some of the leading actors and thinkers in this field, will take on the exploration of the evolving role of social entrepreneurship, philanthropy, impact investing and other forms of private action in contributing to the resolution of social problems.

Private action for the public good increasingly infuses all areas of working life. A critical understanding of the promise and challenges of such action is invaluable not just to social entrepreneurs, philanthropists and NGO leaders, but to all those who have or intend to take leadership roles in public and private sectors. 

This lecture series provides a unique extra-curricular learning opportunity which encourages all of us to consider private action for the public good in our lives and careers. 

The Marshall Institute team will take you on a structured journey of six 90-minute evening session through the arena of private action for the public good. We will 

• critically examine the changing role of social entrepreneurship and philanthropy in the 21^st century, including the latest innovations in funding and programme design.

• consider the motivations which drive private action – whether altruistic or otherwise – and how these can be channelled for the public good.

• explore the effective altruism movement and how the impact of philanthropy and social entrepreneurship can be maximised.

• critically consider the politics of private action for the public good. 

 

Dates, topics and speakers

The six 90-minute sessions of the series take place at LSE on Tuesdays (18.30 - 20.00) in Michaelmas and Lent term 2016/17.

Click here for speaker bios

8 November  

Changing the face of philanthropy, social entrepreneurship & private action for the public good 

In conversation: Stephan Chambers, Professor Nava Ashraf

15 November

Effective altruism: 'Doing Good Better'

In conversation: William MacAskill and Stephan Chambers

22 November 

If not for profit, for what? 

In conversation: Professor Nava Ashraf and Professor Sir Julian Le Grand

17 January 

Private action for public benefit in action

In conversation: Sir Paul Marshall and Professor Julian Le Grand 

24 January 

The politics of private action for public benefit 

Panel discussion: Jasmine Whitbread, Sir Stuart Etherington, Sir Thomas Hughes-Hallett (Chair) 

31 January 

Investing for innovation 

Panel discussion: Nick O'Donohoe, Caroline Mason, Stephan Chambers (Chair)