Abstract:

The purpose of this research is to increase knowledge of designing a concept of a capability development program for building scalable catering business for refugees. Refugees and their social inclusion and employment in a new country are an example of a wicked problem. The earlier research includes very little knowledge of developing systematic capability development programs for refugees in the area of entrepreneurship in catering business. There is a clear need to increase knowledge of this area. This empirical research is based on a service design project applying in-depth qualitative interviews and focus groups. As a result, this research contributes by introducing a concept model for a capability development program for building scalable catering business for refugees. The concept is developed for an organization involved in enhancing refugee employment. The case organization operates by creating a network of partners including government officials, companies, non-governmental organizations, congregations, communities, universities, and individuals who support newcomers to get started with their business ideas or finding new jobs where they can use their skills instead of being idle in reception centres. This research is an example of university-industry collaboration and social innovation.

Keywords:

Entrepreneurship training, Capability building, Wicked problems, Social inclusion, University-industry cooperation, Higher education, Co-creation, Service design, Social innovation.