Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The rapid growth of startups in recent years has led to an increased focus on the social impact of these innovative ventures. The need to assess and measure the social impact of startups has become crucial for both investors and stakeholders. This thesis aims to develop a comprehensive framework for assessing the social impact of startups, with a focus on identifying key indicators and metrics that can be used to evaluate their social performance. Chapter One of the thesis provides an introduction to the research topic, presenting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definitions of key terms related to social impact assessment in the context of startups. Chapter Two consists of a thorough literature review that examines existing research and theories related to social impact assessment, startups, and relevant frameworks and methodologies. This chapter will explore various perspectives on social impact assessment and highlight key elements that can inform the development of the proposed framework. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology used in this study, including the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures. It will provide a detailed explanation of how the framework was developed and validated through a rigorous research process. Chapter Four presents a comprehensive discussion of the findings from the research, including the key indicators and metrics identified for assessing the social impact of startups. This chapter will also explore the practical implications of the framework and how it can be applied in real-world settings. Chapter Five concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, discussing the implications of the research, and suggesting areas for future research. This chapter will also provide recommendations for stakeholders interested in using the framework to assess the social impact of startups effectively. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on social impact assessment for startups by offering a practical framework that can help investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers better understand and evaluate the social value created by these innovative ventures.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Developing a Social Impact Assessment Framework for Startups" aims to address the growing importance of social impact assessment in the startup ecosystem. In recent years, there has been a shift towards more socially responsible business practices, with startups being at the forefront of this movement. However, many startups struggle to effectively measure and communicate their social impact due to the lack of standardized frameworks and tools tailored to their unique needs. The research will begin by providing an introduction to the topic, highlighting the background of the study and identifying the problem statement. The objective of the study is to develop a comprehensive framework that startups can use to assess and communicate their social impact effectively. This will be achieved by conducting a thorough literature review to identify best practices and existing frameworks in social impact assessment. The research methodology will involve a mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches, including interviews with startup founders, social impact experts, and stakeholders in the startup ecosystem. Surveys and case studies will also be conducted to gather data on the current practices and challenges faced by startups in assessing their social impact. The findings of the research will be discussed in detail in Chapter Four, where the proposed social impact assessment framework will be presented and analyzed. The framework will take into account the specific needs and constraints of startups, providing a practical and user-friendly tool for measuring and reporting social impact. In the conclusion and summary chapter, the key findings and implications of the research will be highlighted, along with recommendations for startups, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the startup ecosystem. The research aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on social impact assessment and provide startups with valuable insights and tools to enhance their social impact practices.