Determinants of innovative social entrepreneurship

Abstract

Innovative social entrepreneurship (ISE) is a topic of recent interest in research. The knowledge of the determinants of ISE and the characteristics of the innovations created by them is still limited. Therefore, the present document aims to contribute to this knowledge; specifically, it explores the determinants of the innovative behavior of ISE, during its process of creation and growth, and discusses the nature of such innovations (type, novelty, scope and impact) created throughout that process. Based on a case study of a paradigmatic Mexican social organization, we argue that these determinants are divided into: internal (characteristics of the individual entrepreneur and model/strategy of the organization); and external (context/environment). These determinants are causally associated with different stages of the abovementioned process and with certain attributes of the innovations developed. In addition, it is suggested that ISE innovation has a strong intangible and non-technological component, mainly in business model innovations, but also in its operating model (based on social inclusion).

Social Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Upper-Middle-Income Countries: Social Policy and Sustainable Economic Development Implications

“…However, regarding social ecosystem dynamism, the results are significantly better in HV regions (z = −2.064, p = 0.039). This result is inconsistent with previous studies [86,93], which suggest that the level of support for social entrepreneurship in LV regions is perceived as more favorable than that in HV regions. In Mexico, Saiz-Álvarez and Rodríguez-Aceves [84] found intense cooperation that promotes a dynamic social ecosystem between universities, public administrations, social enterprises, and NGOs.…”

“…However, Villegas-Mateos and Vázquez-Maguirre [16] found that the interactions and impacts of these participants, especially universities, often concentrate on low-vulnerability (LV) regions. There is a gap between the three major Mexican cities (Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara), where most of the actors concentrate, and the rest of the country [86]. Since most high-vulnerability (HV) regions lack a SEE supporting social ventures, some communities have created incipient local SEEs where a social or community-based enterprise is a central player that organizes and promotes the ecosystem [9].…”

Financing Ecuadorian Social Enterprises: What Is the Role of Impact Investment?

“…On the other hand, research on social entrepreneurship and its financing is limited in Latin America [13]. As mentioned by Martínez and Dutrenit [14] in their report based on the UAM-Ashoka survey focused on Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean, there are barriers or capabilities for social entrepreneurship to consolidate and maintain over time, where the main sources of financing come either from the contributions of partners or donations from third parties and, as a result, economic conditions are one of the main barriers to accessing financing, as well as the lack of public programs for social entrepreneurship.…”