This paper aims to examine the role of social entrepreneurship in addressing social causes and promoting sustainable development. Through analysing literature and recent trends, this paper seeks to clarify the key concepts, identify specific dimensions of sustainable development addressed by social entrepreneurs and evaluate their impact on achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
This investigation used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 checklist, alongside the Scopus database and supplementary resources, to perform a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis.
While social entrepreneurship is recognised for addressing social problems, research on its impact on sustainable development is limited. Scientific mapping and content analysis helped to identify dominant theories and major issues in social entrepreneurship. Thereby, this paper reveals the potential of social entrepreneurship to make a significant societal impact on social enterprises and advance the SDGs.
The study’s scope is constrained by available literature during the study year range between 2018 and 2023. Future research could delve deeper into how social entrepreneurship fosters sustainable development.
Social entrepreneurship has an active impact on economic, social and environmental welfare. This research also extends into the field of international entrepreneurship and effects on global sustainable well-being. The findings of this study can guide enterprises seeking to address social issues while generating revenue and therefore aid in the designing of impactful strategies.
Social entrepreneurship is considered as a contemporary approach towards solving societal issues emerging as an alternative to non-profit and governmental approaches. This engages with a focus upon the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. By showcasing social entrepreneurship’s potential in driving sustainable development, this research underscores its role in tackling societal challenges and fostering positive change.
This research offers a comprehensive review of recent trends in social enterprises and their contribution to social change and sustainable development. This paper illuminates social entrepreneurs’ alignment with specific SDGs and paves the way for future research and practice.
