Techniques for Generating Entrepreneurial Ideas

 

Techniques for Generating Entrepreneurial Ideas

A. Problem Identification

• Observe social or political problems around you — corruption, unemployment, poor governance, lack of civic education.
• Ask: “What frustrates people?” or “What needs to change in society?”
• Example: Noticing low voter turnout → idea for a youth voter education app.

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B. Brainstorming

• Gather a group of like-minded people (students, activists, educators).
• Set a theme — e.g., “Digital Democracy” or “Transparent Governance”.
• Record all ideas without judgment, then refine the best ones.
• Example: Brainstorming ways to promote political literacy in rural areas.

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C. SCAMPER Technique

Use SCAMPER to improve or modify existing systems or ideas:

Letter	Meaning	Political Science Example
S	Substitute	Replace paper campaigns with eco-friendly digital platforms
C	Combine	Merge education + politics to create civic awareness programs
A	Adapt	Adapt successful governance models from other countries
M	Modify	Change political debates into community dialogue sessions
P	Put to another use	Use social media not just for politics but for policy feedback
E	Eliminate	Remove bureaucratic hurdles using e-governance
R	Reverse	Reverse the order — start policymaking bottom-up (citizens first)

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D. Market and Community Research

• Conduct surveys and interviews in your community.
• Identify what citizens, youth, or local councils need most.
• Example: Discovering students want leadership training → start a “Youth Leadership Hub.”

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E. Observation and Trend Analysis

• Observe current political, social, and economic trends.
• Follow national and global movements: climate change, digital activism, good governance.
• Example: Trend of online activism → idea for a social media accountability tracker for politicians.

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F. Mind Mapping

• Start with a central idea (e.g., “Political Participation”) and branch out sub-ideas:
• Voter education
• Political literacy programs
• Community leadership training
• Policy awareness seminars

This helps you visualize and expand creative directions.

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G. Reverse Thinking

• Ask the opposite question: “What would happen if political systems were not transparent?”
• Then think of ideas that prevent that negative outcome e.g., an app for public tracking of local government funds.

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H. Inspiration from Case Studies

• Study successful social and political entrepreneurs like:
• Malala Yousafzai – advocacy for girls’ education.
• Nelson Mandela – leadership and social reform.
• Imran Khan – from philanthropy (Shaukat Khanum Hospital) to politics.
• Barack Obama’s campaign – used data analytics and digital mobilization.

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4. Examples of Entrepreneurial Ideas for Political Science Students

1. Civic Education Startups – workshops and apps to educate citizens about voting and democracy.
2. Policy Consultancy Firms – helping NGOs or local governments design better public policies.
3. Transparency Platforms – apps to monitor public spending and promote accountability.
4. Youth Political Forums – digital or physical spaces for student political debates.
5. Awareness Campaigns – social entrepreneurship projects on human rights, gender equality, or anti-corruption.

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5. Conclusion

Entrepreneurship for Political Science students is not limited to business ventures it’s about innovation in social systems.
By using these techniques, you can develop ideas that promote democracy, good governance, and civic engagement, making you change-makers in your societies.