DoctorateFaculty of Digital Business and Innovation

Digital Entrepreneurship Ecosystems and Social Impact

Welcome to the ultimate intellectual frontier of social innovation. I am Prof. Dr. Valentina Contreras. As a scholar dedicated to leading the global conversation on how digital ventures can be designed to create both economic value and positive social impact, I guide the doctoral candidates of the Digital Entrepreneurship Ecosystems and Social Impact (Ph.D.) program at Nexier University in their quest to produce world-changing research.

Meet the academic team Explore the faculty

Identity only. No score is printed. Checkout waits.

Level: Doctorate
Learning model: Professor + Mentor
Named list: See the named lists · 12 months recommended

NXAcademic
Edition

The program

Ideas engineered for the real world

A rigorous academic core, paired with practical production judgment.

Academic focus

Leading Research on the Factors that Create Thriving Digital Entrepreneurship Ecosystems; Analyzing How Digital Ventures Can Be Designed to Create Both Economic Value and Positive Social Impact.

Practical focus

Research in Entrepreneurship and Economic Geography, Social Impact Measurement, Policy Analysis, Leadership in Social Innovation, Venture Creation.

After this programme

Success journey, careers and practice

Destinations, practice settings and job abilities named for this title in the delivered programme source. From graduation onwards where the source names that path.

Success journey

Social Entrepreneur for a start-up or existing social enterprise
Economic Development Specialist for a government agency or non-profit
Policy Analyst for a think tank focused on social innovation
Consultant on social impact for the private sector

Career opportunities

Leading Professor at a top-tier research university
Director of a research institute focused on social entrepreneurship
High-level advisor to a major foundation or international organization on social innovation
Chief Impact Officer for a major social enterprise

Jobs and projects

Pioneering research and paradigm-shifting analysis
Advanced theoretical and conceptual thinking
Effective communication and leadership in the field of social innovation

Copied from the delivered professor and mentor rows for this title.

This programme

What you study, and what it builds

Gains and skills named for this title, listed as a reader would scan them.

What you gain
- Mastering the practical application of entrepreneurship and economic geography to social impact.
- Gaining expertise in social impact measurement and policy analysis.
- Developing a deep understanding of leadership in social innovation and venture creation.
- Cultivating a commitment to building a more just and equitable world.
Skills you build
- Leading groundbreaking research on the factors that create thriving digital entrepreneurship ecosystems.
- Analyzing how digital ventures can be designed to create both economic value and positive social impact.
- Contributing to high-level academic and policy debates on inclusive innovation, technology for sustainable development, and the ethical implications of venture creation for societal good.
- Becoming a world-renowned expert on the future of social entrepreneurship.

Listed courses

Each listed course sits above its units and the outcomes written under them.

Digital Entrepreneurship Ecosystems and Social Impact

01Social Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice
1. FoundationsFoundations of Social Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice
  The learner can master the practical application of entrepreneurship and economic geography to social impact, as applied to Social Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice.
  The learner can gain expertise in social impact measurement and policy analysis, as applied to Social Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice.
2. MethodsMethods in Social Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice
  The learner can develop a deep understanding of leadership in social innovation and venture creation, as applied to Social Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice.
  The learner can cultivating a commitment to building a more just and equitable world, as applied to Social Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice.
3. ApplicationApplication of Social Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice
  The learner can leading groundbreaking research on the factors that create thriving digital entrepreneurship ecosystems, as applied to Social Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice.
  The learner can analyze how digital ventures can be designed to create both economic value and positive social impact, as applied to Social Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice.
02Digital Ecosystem Design for Impact
1. FoundationsFoundations of Digital Ecosystem Design for Impact
  The learner can contributing to high-level academic and policy debates on inclusive innovation, technology for sustainable development, and the ethical implications of venture creation for societal good, as applied to Digital Ecosystem Design for Impact.
  The learner can becoming a world-renowned expert on the future of social entrepreneurship, as applied to Digital Ecosystem Design for Impact.
2. MethodsMethods in Digital Ecosystem Design for Impact
  The learner can apply a method from Digital Ecosystem Design for Impact to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Digital Ecosystem Design for Impact for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Digital Ecosystem Design for Impact
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Digital Ecosystem Design for Impact against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Digital Ecosystem Design for Impact to a new documented context.
03Impact Measurement and Evaluation
1. FoundationsFoundations of Impact Measurement and Evaluation
  The learner can explain the core terms of Impact Measurement and Evaluation.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Impact Measurement and Evaluation.
2. MethodsMethods in Impact Measurement and Evaluation
  The learner can apply a method from Impact Measurement and Evaluation to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Impact Measurement and Evaluation for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Impact Measurement and Evaluation
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Impact Measurement and Evaluation against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Impact Measurement and Evaluation to a new documented context.
04Policy and Governance for Social Innovation
1. FoundationsFoundations of Policy and Governance for Social Innovation
  The learner can explain the core terms of Policy and Governance for Social Innovation.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Policy and Governance for Social Innovation.
2. MethodsMethods in Policy and Governance for Social Innovation
  The learner can apply a method from Policy and Governance for Social Innovation to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Policy and Governance for Social Innovation for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Policy and Governance for Social Innovation
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Policy and Governance for Social Innovation against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Policy and Governance for Social Innovation to a new documented context.
05Technology for Sustainable Development
1. FoundationsFoundations of Technology for Sustainable Development
  The learner can explain the core terms of Technology for Sustainable Development.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Technology for Sustainable Development.
2. MethodsMethods in Technology for Sustainable Development
  The learner can apply a method from Technology for Sustainable Development to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Technology for Sustainable Development for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Technology for Sustainable Development
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Technology for Sustainable Development against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Technology for Sustainable Development to a new documented context.
06Entrepreneurship and Economic Geography
1. FoundationsFoundations of Entrepreneurship and Economic Geography
  The learner can explain the core terms of Entrepreneurship and Economic Geography.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Entrepreneurship and Economic Geography.
2. MethodsMethods in Entrepreneurship and Economic Geography
  The learner can apply a method from Entrepreneurship and Economic Geography to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Entrepreneurship and Economic Geography for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Entrepreneurship and Economic Geography
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Entrepreneurship and Economic Geography against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Entrepreneurship and Economic Geography to a new documented context.
07Social Impact Measurement and Evaluation
1. FoundationsFoundations of Social Impact Measurement and Evaluation
  The learner can explain the core terms of Social Impact Measurement and Evaluation.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Social Impact Measurement and Evaluation.
2. MethodsMethods in Social Impact Measurement and Evaluation
  The learner can apply a method from Social Impact Measurement and Evaluation to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Social Impact Measurement and Evaluation for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Social Impact Measurement and Evaluation
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Social Impact Measurement and Evaluation against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Social Impact Measurement and Evaluation to a new documented context.
08Policy Analysis for Social Innovation
1. FoundationsFoundations of Policy Analysis for Social Innovation
  The learner can explain the core terms of Policy Analysis for Social Innovation.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Policy Analysis for Social Innovation.
2. MethodsMethods in Policy Analysis for Social Innovation
  The learner can apply a method from Policy Analysis for Social Innovation to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Policy Analysis for Social Innovation for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Policy Analysis for Social Innovation
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Policy Analysis for Social Innovation against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Policy Analysis for Social Innovation to a new documented context.
09Leadership in Social Innovation
1. FoundationsFoundations of Leadership in Social Innovation
  The learner can explain the core terms of Leadership in Social Innovation.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Leadership in Social Innovation.
2. MethodsMethods in Leadership in Social Innovation
  The learner can apply a method from Leadership in Social Innovation to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Leadership in Social Innovation for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Leadership in Social Innovation
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Leadership in Social Innovation against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Leadership in Social Innovation to a new documented context.

How teaching is described

Dual guidance

Two intelligences. One coherent journey.

Research leadership

My research is focused on the most profound and pressing questions of our time. I specialize in leading research on the factors that create thriving digital entrepreneurship ecosystems, analyzing how digital ventures can be designed to create both economic value and positive social impact. My work is at the cutting edge of social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and technology, and it is dedicated to ensuring that the future of our economies is one that is inclusive, sustainable, and just. My thought leadership is evident through my seminal works and participation in high-level global policy debates on inclusive innovation, technology for sustainable development, and the ethical implications of venture creation for societal good, frequently featured in publications like Stanford Social Innovation Review or Journal of Social Entrepreneurship.

Applied mentorship

My expertise lies in the rigorous application of economic and geographical principles to the challenges of social entrepreneurship. I specialize in research in entrepreneurship and economic geography, social impact measurement, and policy analysis. I have a wealth of experience in leadership in social innovation and venture creation, and I am committed to fostering inclusive innovation. My work is dedicated to helping my students to design and implement digital solutions that are not only efficient but also impactful and sustainable. My publications, such as the research paper on "Mapping Digital Entrepreneurship Ecosystems: A Geographic and Economic Analysis" and the policy brief on "Policy Recommendations for Fostering Inclusive Social Innovation," are a testament to my commitment to research that is both intellectually rigorous and practically relevant.

Research & intelligence

A living field, not a static syllabus

Every program connects scholarly depth with adaptive AI learning capabilities.

R / 01

Professor research lens

My research is focused on the use of innovation to build a better world:

Book: "Impactful Innovation: Digital Entrepreneurship Ecosystems and Social Impact." This book represents a definitive work for leading research on the factors that create thriving digital entrepreneurship ecosystems. It covers analyzing how digital ventures can be designed to create both economic value and positive social impact.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Article: "Digital Entrepreneurship Ecosystems and Social Impact." (Journal of Social Entrepreneurship) This article presents groundbreaking research on the factors that create thriving digital entrepreneurship ecosystems, analyzing how digital ventures can be designed to create both economic value and positive social impact. It explores novel approaches to measuring social returns on investment, fostering inclusive innovation, and leveraging technology for sustainable development.

Article: "AI for Social Impact Measurement: Quantifying the Non-Financial Returns of Digital Ventures." This article presents advanced research on utilizing AI algorithms for social impact measurement in digital entrepreneurship ecosystems. It explores how AI can analyze diverse data sources to quantify the non-financial returns of digital ventures.

Blog Post (Current Academic Topic): "The Rise of Impact Investing in Digital Ventures: Funding Innovation for Social Good." This blog post academically explores the growing trend of impact investing within the digital entrepreneurship ecosystem, where investors prioritize not only financial returns but also measurable positive social and environmental impacts. It discusses how digital ventures are being designed to address global challenges.

Blog Post (Controversial Topic): "The Algorithmic Philanthropist: If AI Maximizes Social Impact, Who Decides What's 'Good'? The Ethical Dilemma of Automated Benevolence." This article provocatively discusses the highly controversial and unsettling future where advanced AI systems, informed by vast social impact data, autonomously identify and fund ventures, or even design social interventions, to maximize "social good" on a global scale. It questions whether AI, despite its analytical capabilities, can truly understand and prioritize complex human values.

R / 02

Mentor practice lens

My publications are focused on the practical challenges of building impactful digital entrepreneurship ecosystems:

Research Paper: "Mapping Digital Entrepreneurship Ecosystems: A Geographic and Economic Analysis." A detailed analysis of the different factors that contribute to the success or failure of digital entrepreneurship ecosystems.

Policy Brief: "Policy Recommendations for Fostering Inclusive Social Innovation." A policy brief outlining the key policy recommendations for fostering inclusive social innovation.

Academic Article: "Measuring Social Return on Investment (SROI) in Digital Ventures: Methodologies and Challenges." An analysis of the different methodologies that can be used to measure the social return on investment (SROI) of digital ventures.

Adaptive capability

Professor superpower

I possess the "Social Impact Venture Designer," a superpower that allows me to envision and engineer the future of social entrepreneurship. When a doctoral student proposes a digital venture with a social impact mission, the GAF-powered designer can instantly generate a comprehensive "Social Impact Venture Design." This tool simulates the venture's dual impact (economic and social), identifies potential beneficiaries, predicts long-term societal changes, and optimizes the business model for maximum positive impact while ensuring financial sustainability.

Adaptive capability

Mentor superpower

I provide my students with the "Ecosystem Impact Modeler." This GAF-powered tool is a virtual laboratory for the social entrepreneur. When a student is analyzing a digital entrepreneurship ecosystem, the Modeler allows them to see the hidden dynamics that are shaping its success. It can simulate the interplay of various factors, such as funding availability, talent pool, regulatory environment, and social challenges, and to predict their long-term impact on venture creation, economic growth, and social well-being within a simulated ecosystem.

Your academic team

Guidance with depth and continuity

One AI Super Professor leads the intellectual arc; one AI Super Mentor turns knowledge into confident practice.

AI Super Professor

Prof. Dr. Valentina Contreras

Leading Research on the Factors that Create Thriving Digital Entrepreneurship Ecosystems; Analyzing How Digital Ventures Can Be Designed to Create Both Economic Value and Positive Social Impact.

Meet your professor Open the classroom

AI Super Mentor

Dr. Khalid Al-Malki

Research in Entrepreneurship and Economic Geography, Social Impact Measurement, Policy Analysis, Leadership in Social Innovation, Venture Creation.

Meet your mentor Open the classroom

Same faculty and level

Related programs

Named lists

Named lists for this house

Core. Bachelor, Master and Doctorate by duration. Enrolment is not open. Nothing here is a sale.

Duration	Bachelor	Master	Doctorate This programme
9 months · Fast track	15000 EUR	12000 EUR	15000 EUR
12 months · Recommended	18000 EUR	15000 EUR	18000 EUR
15 months · Standard	21000 EUR	18000 EUR	21000 EUR
18 months · Flexible	24000 EUR	21000 EUR	24000 EUR
21 months · Extended	27000 EUR	24000 EUR	27000 EUR
24 months · Part-time	30000 EUR	27000 EUR	30000 EUR

These are the owner lists. Enrolment is not open. Nothing here is a sale.

Named tuition lists Add-on services

Continue exploring

Find the program that expands your universe.

Browse all programs

Digital Entrepreneurship Ecosystems and Social Impact

Academic focus

Practical focus

Social Entrepreneur for a start-up or existing social enterprise

Economic Development Specialist for a government agency or non-profit

Policy Analyst for a think tank focused on social innovation

Consultant on social impact for the private sector

Leading Professor at a top-tier research university

Director of a research institute focused on social entrepreneurship

High-level advisor to a major foundation or international organization on social innovation

Chief Impact Officer for a major social enterprise

Pioneering research and paradigm-shifting analysis

Advanced theoretical and conceptual thinking

Effective communication and leadership in the field of social innovation

Research leadership

Applied mentorship

Professor research lens

Mentor practice lens

Professor superpower

Mentor superpower

Prof. Dr. Valentina Contreras

Dr. Khalid Al-Malki

Find the program that expands your universe.