Social Innovation Country Report:
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, social innovation is broadly recognized but lacks an official definition.
Legal and Policy Frameworks

Bangladesh has adopted the following legal frameworks, strategies, and vision documents related to social innovation:

  • Non-profit organizations and charities
  • SDG
Current stage of implementation:
Stage5: SDG
Stage6: Non-profit organizations and charities

with:

  • Stage1: “No Policy or Recognition: No formal recognition, discussion, or policy exists. The sector operates informally or without government involvement.”;
  • Stage2: “Initial Discussions & Awareness: The government acknowledges the sector and has started discussions or consultations, but no formal policy framework or regulation exists.”;
  • Stage3: “Draft Policy or Framework in Development: A draft policy, strategy, or regulatory framework is currently being developed. The government may be conducting research, stakeholder consultations, or legislative drafting.”;
  • Stage4: “Pilot Programs or Limited Implementation: Some initiatives, pilot projects, or partial government-backed programs exist, but full implementation has not yet been achieved. Policies may be tested in select regions or for specific groups.”;
  • Stage5: “Policy Adopted but Not Fully Implemented: A formal law, policy, or regulation has been passed, but it has not been fully implemented, enforced, or funded. Gaps in execution may still exist.”;
  • Stage6: “Policy in Effect & Actively Implemented: The policy is fully enacted and actively being implemented. There is clear government support, funding, and enforcement mechanisms in place.”;
  • Stage7: “Policy Reviewed & Strengthened: The existing policy has been evaluated and improved over time based on feedback, data, or evolving needs. New funding, incentives, or structural reforms may have been introduced.”; and
  • Stage8: “Leading in Policy Innovation: The country is recognized as a leader in this policy area, with best practices, strong regulatory frameworks, and incentives that actively promote and support the sector.”
Ecosystem Actors
Key Actors in the Ecosystem

The leading actors driving social innovation in Bangladesh include government ministries, social enterprises, NGOs, philanthropic institutions, academia, and other ecosystem builders. The top three most influential actors are:

  • Social entreprises & social innovateurs (Impact hubs)
  • NGOs
  • Foundations & philanthropic organizations

Examples: Grameen Bank, Grameen Group, Yunus Centre, BRAC, YY Ventures, Impact Hub Network, Sajida Foundation,

Education and Capacity Building

Formal and informal education programs that support social innovation exist in the following forms in Bangladesh:

  • University-level courses or degrees:“ Social innovation, social entrepreneurship, or impact-driven business programs are offered as courses, degrees, or research tracks in universities or technical institutions
  • Private sector or NGO-led programs:“ Non-governmental organizations, incubators, or private sector actors actively run training, mentorship, or acceleration programs for social innovation.

Examples:

  • Daffodil University offers courses on Social Business.
  • YY Ventures runs nationwide incubation programs. Grameen Group runs Nobin Equity Programs.
Coordinating Bodies

A centralized body responsible for coordinating social innovation efforts across sectors does not exist in Bangladesh.

Details:
NGO Affairs Bureau, Chief Advisers Office

Ecosystem Communication
The level of communication and coordination among key actors in Bangladesh’s social innovation ecosystem is currently Moderate:“ some collaboration, but existing gaps in coordination.
Support Mechanisms for Policy and Finance
Policy Incentives and Support Mechanisms

To support social innovation, Bangladesh has implemented the following incentives and mechanisms:

  • Incentives for corporates to fund charities/ESG initiatives
  • 2% CSR tax
  • Government-backed funding programs (e.g., grants, subsidies, social impact funds)
  • Public/private crowdfunding/lending platforms

Further information:

  • Grants from ICT Division
  • Grameen Nobin Equity Program, Orange Corners Innovation Fund
Financing Mechanisms

Social innovation in Bangladesh is financed through a variety of mechanisms including:International funding (e.g., EU/bilateral/multilateral funds),Philanthropy & foundations,Private sector investment (e.g., corporations, ESG-driven financing),Crowdfunding and community financing

Impact
Flagship Programs and Achievements

Notable achievements and flagship programs in social innovation in Bangladesh include:Grameen micro-credit, BRAC’s Microfinance Program

International Collaborations

Bangladesh is involved in international collaborations on social innovation through the following initiatives:

YY Ventures & Sajida Foundation runs Orange Corners Innovation Fund in partnership with the Dutch Government.

Tech for Good Innovations
Impact Measurement Frameworks

Bangladesh does not have a formal framework or methodology for measuring social innovation impact.

Economic Contribution of Social Innovation
Reports on Social Impact

There are no Reports and studies that assess the social impact of innovation in Bangladesh.

Policy Momentum

Momentum for social innovation as a public policy issue in Bangladesh is currently rated as:

Significant Momentum: Social innovation is actively supported through policies, funding, or initiatives, with clear government engagement and implementation.

Barriers to Growth

The following barriers are currently hindering the growth of social innovation in Bangladesh:

  • Lack of sustainable funding model,
  • Regulatory and legal barriers,
  • Weak collaboration between public, private, and civil society sectors
Collaborative Ideas
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