Switzerland - Sue Riddlestone and Pooran Desai, founders of BioRegional Development Group which was the Schwab Social Entrepreneur of the Year Europe 2011, were invited to the World Economic Forum in Davos this week.

Sue blogged that a journalist had asked why social entrepreneurs were at Davos. She explained about eco-village projects and sustainable products and services and cost effectiveness - approaches which reduce risk and add value - which she wanted to share and to meet new partners. He was sceptical and said, "It's great what you're doing and what Klaus Schwab is saying about the Great Transformation and getting businesses here talking. But from what I heard them say today, don't you think most of them just don't get it". She admitted he had a point and that some participants misunderstood but having the dialogue was worthwhile.

Transformational leaders see social entrepreneurs as allies and BioRegional has a partnership with Kingfisher PLC and their UK company B&Q. Kingfisher CEO Ian Cheshire was at Davos this week.

Before the event Sue had said: "Since winning the Schwab Award last year we've participated in the European and Chinese Forums. We've realised that the World Economic Forum is a really interesting organisation, and one which has challenged our pre-conceptions. Its strap-line is 'committed to improving the state of the world'. That's a mission which we are proud to be a part of. Pooran and I are really looking forward to our first Davos!"

With more than 280 official events to choose from, Sue and Pooran aimed to use the opportunity to develop relationships with some of the 2,500 influential attendees and exchange ideas for sustainable development and the green growth economy. Sue and Pooran planned to participate in the Social Entrepreneurs' Activities organised by the Schwab Foundation and share what BioRegional have learnt in building and creating truly sustainable communities and businesses.

Sue was invited to contribute to exploring how informed and connected consumers are reshaping product and service innovation, by leading discussions at an event entitled 'When Consumers Become Innovators' on Wednesday, along with other Discussion Leaders from the research and business communities.

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World Economic Forum: Being a leader in this great transformation

Story Type:  News

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