Assessing the multidimensional social impact of the social cooperative enterprise “Modousa” inLesvos, Greece

This Thematic Issue seeks to explore critical perspectives of an international nature on social innovation (SI), social enterprise (SE) and/or social solidarity economy (SSE). The aim is to examine the grand narrative, explore the ontological assumptions of the field, challenge the normative and present alternatives that draw attention to political economy, critical theory and critical management studies. Critical perspectives emerged in social innovation (SI) literature as a concerted effort sometime in 2008. A few voices sounded from the edges of the field much earlier. Ash Amin, Professor of Geography at Durham University, inspected the new favourite of public policy way back in 2002, discarded it as a "a poor substitute for a welfare state" and never returned to the subject. There were heated debates that challenged the grand narrative of SI at the International Social Innovation Research Conferences (ISIRC) (once called the Social Enterprise Research Conference before becoming ISIRC with the involvement of the social innovation theme from Skoll Centre). The Voluntary Sector Studies Network (VSSN) conferences picked away at the promise of unlimited performance and achievement of the upstart SE in a mature voluntary and charity network (

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the factors that influence sustainable homestay development and suggest a model for adopting and implementing the homestay concept and its contribution towards sustainable rural development in Uttarakhand, India.Design/methodology/approachResearchers have collected a total of 360 responses from tourists, homestay owners/villagers and managers associated with homestay businesses in Uttarakhand to examine, assess and analyse the data with the help of different statistical tools such as SPSS and AMOS to validate the concept of homestay and its impact on sustainable rural development.FindingsThe analysis uncovered that collaborative consumption, sharing economy and family feeling and community development are positively associated with and, in return, community development affects sustainable development.Research limitations/implicationsThis study enables us to explain the “collaborative consumption” in the context of homestays functional in the state of Uttarakhand only.Practical implicationsThe study results in evidence of crucial implications for policymakers. Policymakers should focus on opportunities in tourism and its integration with economic, environmental and social goals. Homestays will be new avenues for economic and sustainable development.Social implicationsHomestay offers reasonable and cheap lodging for tourists within the existing ancient homes, typically restored for the guests to form a comfortable stay. Homestay is adopted to facilitate community-based tourism in the state. It also helps in developing a source of livelihood for the community. It is helpful for individuals’ economic, social and aesthetic desires to be consummated by maintaining cultural integrity, ecological processes, biodiversity and natural support systems through homestay, as social entrepreneurship. Homestay has been envisaged as a driver to realise the sustainable development goals by steering the pathways to a property future for all involved within the elected hill states.Originality/valueThis study validates a new homestay model that will be useful for developing community and achieving sustainable development.

Social entrepreneurship is a mix of sectoral innovation and resource availability by which social problems are treated as the ones handicapping a societie’s needs. It is a new dimension of the business sector. In Nepal, like everywhere in the world, a model of social entrepreneurship has been developed by several social innovators. The main aim of this research is to analyze the sectoral social entrepreneurship and innovation practices in Nepal. This paper is based on scientific review with reference to the social entrepreneurship and innovation in the context of Nepal economy. This subject matter is highly recognized due to its broad scope in terms of educational innovation, business innovation, environmental innovation, social innovation, financial innovation, technical innovations, innovations in all the sectors of economy, and, finally, innovations in the living standard of Nepalese people. Nepal needs social and economic transformation, which can be made by building socially responsive citizens. Thus, the context of Nepal suggests an opportunity for sectoral and structural innovations. Social innovations can make Nepal smart and strong. So, the government should create the environment for the social enterprise sector in Nepal.

هدف: رویکرد حکمروایی خوب روستایی با تأکید بر سه رکن اصلی دولت، بخش خصوصی و جامعة مدنی به حضور فعال و اثرگذار این ارکان در سایة مشارکت، شفافیت، پاسخ گویی، قانون‌مندی، عدالت، اجماع گرایی، مسؤولیت پذیری،کارآیی و توسعة انسانی تأکید دارد. هدف از این پژوهش، بررسی جایگاه مدیریت روستایی مبتنی بر رویکرد حکمروایی خوب در توسعة پایدار روستایی «مقایسة بخش مرکزی کوهدشت و بخش لواسانات شمیرانات» است. روش: پژوهش از نوع توصیفی- تحلیلی بوده و روش پژوهش از نظر هدف کاربردی و از نظر نحوة گردآوری داده ها، پیمایشی است. جامعة آماری؛ شامل خانوارهای روستایی دو منطقة مورد مطالعه با 27 روستای نمونه و 280 خانوار است. ابزار گردآوری داده ها از نوع پرسش نامه بوده که به صورت تصادفی در روستاهای نمونه تکمیل شد. به منظور تحلیل داده ها و آزمون فرضیه ها نیز از مدل ویکور و آزمون های آنوا توکی و رگرسیون چند متغیره استفاده شده است. یافته‌ها: مطابق یافته های مدل ویکور، مدیریت مبتنی بر رویکرد حکمروایی خوب و سطح پایداری سکونت گاه ها در دو منطقة مورد مطالعه از وضعیت بسیار متفاوتی برخوردار است؛ به طوری که در هر دو منطقه، روستاهایی که از وضعیت حکمروایی خوبی برخوردارند، پایداری بهتری نیز دارند. هم‌چنین، تحلیل رگرسیون چند متغیره، نشان دهندة تأثیر و ارتباط معنی دار بین مؤلفه های حکمروایی خوب و توسعة پایدار روستایی است. محدودیت ها: محدودیت های این پژوهش شامل وسیع‌بودن حجم نمونه و جامعة مورد مطالعه و تطابق مدل نظری پژوهش با مدل تجربی آن بود. راه‌کارهای عملی: درنظرگرفتن رویکرد حکمروایی خوب در نظام مدیریت روستایی می تواند موجب سرعت بخشی روند توسعة پایدار روستایی شده و از ناپایداری سکونت گاه ها جلوگیری کند. اصالت و ارزش: این مقاله ضمن مقایسة تطبیقی دو منطقه با نظام مدیریت، سطح حکمروایی و پایداری متفاوت، می تواند کاستی‌های موجود در ساختار مدیریت یک‌پارچة کنونی روستاهای کشور را واضح تر نشان دهد.

Background: Rural development in Bangladesh is crucial for the country's socio-economic progress, given the significant portion of its population residing in rural areas. However, achieving sustainability in rural development poses numerous challenges due to various factors such as poverty, environmental degradation, and limited access to resources. Rural development is the process of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas. The term ‘rural development’ is used to describe the deliberate actions made in non- urban parts of a developing country to alleviate or eradicate poverty, increase resilience, promote ecological sustainability and build capacity to meet these and other issues. Rural development has traditionally centered on the exploitation of land, intensive natural resources such as agriculture, aquaculture and forestry. However, change in global production networks and increased urbanization have changed the characteristics of rural areas. According to World Bank estimation, rural population is 66.5% of the total population and remaining 33.5% are urban population in Bangladesh. It is quite evident that without development of the larger portion of the population of the rural area, sustained development is not possible for the country. Rural development is deeply rooted within our society and it is integrated in the way of life, livelihood and culture of the people of Bangladesh Since independence the Government of Bangladesh has been taking constant initiatives in terms of policies, strategies and programmes to promote sustainable rural development in the country. In this connection a research work has been undertaken to know the prospects and challenges for sustainable rural development entitled; “Sustainable Rural Development in Bangladesh: A Case Study of Three Villages at Gopalganj District” during 2022-2023 fiscal year. For this purpose, 03(three) villages beside BAPARD have been selected named Tarashi, Jathia and Satrakanda. Objectives: This research aims to investigate the prospects and challenges associated with rural development in Bangladesh and to identify strategies for enhancing sustainability in this context. A case study approach is adopted to provide an in-depth understanding of the dynamics and complexities involved in rural development initiatives. The specific objectives were: to identify the betterment related to sustainable promotion of development on rural community; to elucidate the prospects and challenges faced on rural prosperity achieving sustainable development; and to suggest possible ways for minimizing the problems and challenges that rural member faced in course of their sustainable rural development. Methods: The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of secondary data with qualitative insights gathered through interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. A specific rural area in Bangladesh is selected as the case study site to capture the nuances of local contexts and experiences. Results: Analysis of the data reveals both promising prospects and formidable challenges in the realm of rural development in Bangladesh. On one hand, there are instances of successful interventions that have improved livelihoods and enhanced community resilience. On the other hand, persistent issues such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation continue to hinder sustainable development efforts. Conclusion: Despite the challenges, there exist opportunities to promote sustainable rural development in Bangladesh through targeted policies, innovative approaches, and community participation. By addressing socio-economic disparities, strengthening institutional capacities, and integrating environmental considerations into development strategies, it is possible to create a more inclusive and resilient rural landscape in Bangladesh.

There is renewed interest in exploring alternative economic models that balance economic, social, and environmental concerns in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) has been recognised as a key approach for inclusive and sustainable development, particularly by promoting decent work, reducing inequalities for vulnerable communities, and fostering social transformation. Consequently, SSE has been strongly promoted by the International Labour Organization (ILO). This paper aims to elucidate the transformative potential of SSE by exploring how it enhances SDGs delivery and fosters a more inclusive and sustainable development agenda, and examining how it challenges the prevailing emphasis on economic growth within dominant development theories. The implications of these global discussions for Malaysian policymakers, particularly Members of Parliament who advocate for equitable economic distribution in national planning such as the 13th Malaysia Plan, are also examined. Employing policy commentary approach, this paper systematically reviews key UN initiatives and documents, namely, the UN Taskforce on SSE (UNTFSSE), initiatives by ILO, two pivotal UN Resolutions on SSE, and the UN Secretary-General’s report on SSE. This approach is grounded by qualitative analysis, focusing on their contributions to mainstreaming SSE as a viable alternative to traditional profit-driven business models. Essentially, this paper underscores SSE’s capacity to promote social justice, resilience, and sustainability by highlighting best practices that can inform national development plans and strategies to ensure fair and equitable economic growth for all.

Prioritization of Rural Development Strategies by Sustainable Development Approach (Case Study: Villages in the Northwest of Isfahan Province)

Learning outcomes The case is designed taking into consideration the three learning domains of Bloom’s Taxonomy (Bloom et al., 1956) – cognitive, i.e. knowledge and thinking; affective, i.e. feelings and attitude; and psychomotor, i.e. specific applied skills. Accordingly, these learning objectives are identified:▪ to frame a data and insights-driven design challenge and communicate product and solution design ideas clearly (LO 1);▪ to understand and apply the design thinking process for data science and AI-enabled digital product ecosystem innovation (LO 2);▪ to deploy a structured methodology for adapting a data science and AI-enabled digital product ecosystem in diverse markets (LO 3); and▪ to create a digital product management and go-to-market roadmap for tapping new markets (LO 4). Case overview/synopsis Stones2Milestones (S2M), a pioneering Indian EdTech company founded in 2009, is preparing to script a first-of-its-kind global success story with Freadom, its machine learning and artificial intelligence-enabled English learning product suite, being used by over 7,500 schools and 1 million-plus K-12 students. Driven by the mission of creating a nation of readers and helping every child “find their place in the world”, the bootstrapped social venture struggled to sustain itself in the initial years despite a healthy uptake by schools of its evocatively named offering, Wings of Words (WOW) that aimed to inculcate the habit of reading among 3–12-year-olds through storytelling. In 2016, S2M pivoted to a product-based model led by technology and digital innovations, launching Freadom, an adaptive mobile reading app that logged an exponential growth in its user base. By 2019, Freadom’s remarkable vision, a data science-led product map, and its enormous potential for global socio-economic impact had earned it a serendipitous association with Stanford University as a mentor and collaborator. Over the next four years, S2M’s contrarian bet on a data science and analytics-led product development strategy, an obsessive focus on user-centric continuous product innovation, foresight to translate the Covid-19 pandemic crisis into an opportunity, and strategic impetus to leverage the Stanford association led to 20-fold growth in its user base, sustained commercial success and global recognition. Enthused by Freadom’s growing success and its untapped global potential in transforming English language skill-acquisition as an essential life-skill among learners in 110-plus English-as-second-language (ESL) countries, the S2M product team had christened Freadom as the “English OS for the World.” In November 2023, in pursuit of ambitious global aspirations, S2M entered into a partnership with the Finnish Global Education Solutions (FGES), a member of Education Finland program controlled by the Finnish National Agency for Education. The S2M-FGES joint venture, by leveraging the mutually complementary strengths of the two partners – a market-leading data science and AI-based product suite with the Stanford pedigree, user-centric innovation expertise, an established and loyal customer base, easy access to low-cost tech and data science talent, sales and distribution capabilities and the global stature of the renowned Finnish school education system that could open doors – aims to further develop and deploy Freadom on the international stage. The case introduces Freadom at this pivotal juncture, identifying underlying dilemmas and challenges that must be addressed towards realizing its global potential. How could Freadom’s ambition fructify, of establishing a made-in-India English learning product suite as the “English OS for the world” in mature global ESL markets, an audacious dream that had never been attempted before? Would the product development, customer acquisition and market expansion approaches aimed at “creating a nation of readers” that had worked so well in India, be replicable in diverse K-12 learning landscapes such as South Korea, Singapore, Middle East and Finland, that were very different, each of them unique in its own way – in socio-cultural, linguistic, educational and pedagogical environment? And, how could Freadom continue to deliver on its promise of being the ultimate English learning platform for 3–12-year-old K-12 students globally, helping them find “their place in the world?” Complexity academic level This case can be used in courses or modules on data science and AI-based solutioning, design thinking and communication, user-centric problem-solving, creativity, innovation, social entrepreneurship, new product planning and development, digital product management, customer experience (Cx) management, sustainable development and international business. The case focuses on the contemporary theme of data science and AI-based design thinking as a tool to understand and frame a socially-pertinent need gap and design challenge, communicate and evaluate ideas and drive sustained user-centric innovation in a digital ecosystem. The surrounding context of this case pertains to social and impact entrepreneurship in an emerging economy with high socio-economic disparities, and underscores the potential for grassroots digital innovations originating from emerging markets to address societal and human development need gaps globally, including in developed economies. This case, therefore, presents a unique opportunity to the faculty at global business schools, which have a fairly diverse class mix from developed and large emerging economies, to generate an enriching discussion on the multifaceted potential of “border-less” social entrepreneurship and innovation. The pertinent theme and surrounding context make the case particularly relevant for the following suggested courses/modules: core/introductory courses on innovation, data science and digital technologies, problem-solving, communication, social entrepreneurship, product management, emerging economies, international business and sustainable development; and elective courses on data science and AI applications, design thinking and communication, educational technology (EdTech), entrepreneurship in emerging economies, creativity and problem-solving, digital business, social and impact entrepreneurship, sustainable business strategy, international expansion and customer-centric communication. Supplementary material Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS11: Strategy.

Досліджено нормативно-правовий та інституційно-адміністративний механізм державного управління сталим розвитком аграрного сектору та сільських територій. Проаналізовано міжнародний досвід запровадження принципів сталого розвитку. На основі проведеного аналізу запропоновано алгоритм запровадження основ концепції сталого розвитку України, а саме: прийняття національної стратегії сталого розвитку “Україна – 2030”, відповідно до Глобальних цілей сталого розвитку (далі – ЦСР), прийнятих Генеральною Асамблеєю Організації Об’єднаних Націй (далі – ООН) 25 вересня 2015 р. “Перетворення нашого світу: Порядок денний сталого розвитку 2030”, який вміщує 17 Глобальних ЦСР до 2030 р.; Указу Президента України “Цілі сталого розвитку України на період до 2030 року” від 30.09.2019 р. Зазначено, що в рамках національної стратегії повинна бути розроблена програма сталого розвитку аграрного сектору та сільських територій. Адже для досягнення 2-ї Цілі “Подолання голоду, досягнення продовольчої безпеки, поліпшення харчування та сприяння сталому сільському господарству” саме аграрний сектор та сільські громади мають вирішальну роль. Запропоновано удосконалення адміністративно-інституціонального механізму управління сталим розвитком, а саме створення державного комітету із сталого розвитку, підпорядкованого Кабінету Міністрів України, для здійснення координаційної діяльності всіх міністерств та відомств у напрямку запровадження стратегії сталого розвитку. Розглянуто методи побудови механізмів державного управління сталим розвитком, які враховують інтереси усіх зацікавлених сторін, базуються на моделі “державно-приватного” партнерства, а також методах горизонтальної та вертикальної інтеграції, враховуючи альтернативи розвитку держави, специфіку аграрного сектору економіки, потреб сільських територіальних громад у напрямку досягнення ЦСР.

Social entrepreneurship is an important driving force for sustainable development. One existing problem with the current literature is that it is not fully clear under what conditions social entrepreneurship can promote sustainable economic, social, and environmental developments. The research evidence is even less in developing and emerging economies like China. Once an impoverished area, Yiwu has gone through a unique evolution path and developed into one of China’s top 10 wealthiest counties and a model city for sustainable development. In this study, based on a multilevel perspective and through analyzing objective statistical records and public archive data in Yiwu, we trace social entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Yiwu in recent decades. We make numerous theoretical contributions to social entrepreneurship and sustainable development literature. We identify the key factors and explore the roles of social entrepreneurship in promoting sustainable development in Yiwu. We discuss theoretical implications for social entrepreneurship specifically and entrepreneurship in general and make future research recommendations for our framework. Overall, we broaden and deepen the research on social entrepreneurship and sustainable development in an emerging economy.

Sustainable development is a new concept in development economics that needs not to be limited to towns and cities in developing economies like Nigeria. This study therefore examined the strategies for promoting sustainable development in Nasarawa State. The study was guided by cross-section survey design. A sample size of 400 respondents was selected from three rural areas in the State using simple random sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire designed by the researchers was used as instrument for data collection. The instrument was validated by experts and its reliability was ascertained using the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient technique. Descriptive statistics, principally, simple percentages, mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis.The findings revealed that agricultural development and social services provisions have been the major rural development strategies adopted in the State that have been implemented in the State. The results also showed that less attention has been given to human capital development, political inclusion, infrastructural development and industrial growth. It was found that radio and television, farmers and traders association and collaboration with traditional councils are ways of creating awareness on sustainable rural development. However, exclusion of rural dwellers at the planning stage and absence of rural needs assessment were found to be the major challenges to sustainable rural development. The study revealed that employing contractors of projects from communities where projects are sited and the need to plan based rural realities can enhance rural dwellers involvement in sustainable rural development decisions. The study concluded that strategies for sustainable rural development in Nasarawa State have not been effectively designed and implemented because the emphasis has always been on agriculture. The study recommended that Government should always embark on rural development needs assessment, sustainable rural development should emphasis the bottom-top approach, greater investment in human capital and rural entrepreneurial initiatives.

This study examines indices of sustainable rural development in Bulgaria, Germany, Poland, Romania and the Netherlands. The European Union has consistently supported its policy on sustainable rural development and allocated budgetary funds to provide financial assistance. The energy crisis that followed the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine conflict prompted the European Union to adopt stricter measures regarding sustainable development and energy. To achieve these objectives, it is crucial to accurately identify regional issues and ensure that the established goals are practical and achievable. Some European Union countries have made significant progress in this direction, while others have yet to do so. Therefore, this study is aimed to examine the differences and difficulties of rural development in selected countries of the European Union through data and literature review methods. In the study, the data on population, GDP per capita, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the economic impact of agriculture, and renewable energy are compared for the countries selected at the rural areas and the data on employment, poverty levels, education and rural digitization are compared. Netherlands and Germany exhibit adherence to the goals of sustainable rural development, while Poland has made progress in several areas towards sustainable rural development. In contrast, according to the study, Bulgaria and Romania require more significant measures to achieve sustainable rural development. Although both countries have some strengths, it is imperative that all relevant parties participate in the process to ensure sustainability. Education is a crucial prerequisite for rural development. However, the percentage of educated individuals in these countries has decreased. Furthermore, it is crucial to provide rural areas with information about digitization and establish the required infrastructure. Moreover, the adoption of smart villages should be considered as a solution, in which all stakeholders can efficiently benefit from education and digitization, and sustainable resources can be developed.

This paper proposes a new model to conduct case comparative studies with respect to social entrepreneurship and sustainable development goals; examining different organizational processes, stakeholder perspectives and taking multiple value-creation into account (social, human, financial, intellectual, natural, and manufactured). This model was developed based on literature research and several pilot case studies of cases of social entrepreneurship in the region of Arnhem and Nijmegen (the Netherlands) with relevant social entrepreneurship in the region of Bangalore (India). Social entrepreneurs should identify, evaluate and prioritize sustainable development issues which maximize outcomes for the six capitals and hence their contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets. To create social value, the activities of social entrepreneurs represented in their business models require inputs, transformation and output in terms of the six capitals. The authors propose a new Social Entrepreneurship Model that frames social entrepreneurship in a cross-cultural context where co-creation is essential by providing stakeholders with knowledge, insights and skills in how they can overcome social problems and improve communities in their local contexts.

This paper demonstrates that entrepreneurs who have created innovative organizations and service provision models are contributing to sustainable development. The processes, structures and outcomes of their initiatives are contrasted with more traditional efforts. World leaders have recently renewed the momentum for 'buying' sustainable development through massive allocation of development funds. The authors argue that such traditional approaches have repeatedly failed in the past and are unlikely to overcome the more fundamental hurdles to create development. Building on the findings of a three-year research project, the paper presents case studies which demonstrate how so-called 'social entrepreneurs' succeed in creating social and economic development in a poor country context. The process of discovery and creation from the ground up, in contrast to traditional design-driven development processes and strategies, is illustrated. The cases show how social entrepreneurs cater to various levels of needs: the basic needs of individuals, the institutional needs of communities, and the needs of future generations. The impact of social entrepreneurial activity on sustainable development measures such as the Millennium Development Goals is demonstrated. The findings suggest that social innovation may change the very structures and systems that recreate the circumstances for poverty and that development processes need to consider the link between social and economic development.

Economic growth is one of the important objectives of economic policy due to the beneficial effects it has on employment and economic well-being. The work carried out in the last few decades has highlighted the roles that entrepreneurship and innovation play in promoting this objective. However, the environmental deterioration resulting from policies implemented to stimulate growth has led to considerations of other objectives that are more compatible with the defense of the environment, such as sustainable development. Therefore, it is important to determine the factors that stimulate them. This paper considers traditional and social entrepreneurship and innovations and green innovation. The effect of institutions as generators of legal and economic environments on both types of entrepreneurship is contemplated. On the other hand, considering the possibility of “bidirectional causality”, the relationship between both types of entrepreneurship and institutions is also analyzed. This will allow us to design measures aimed at stimulating sustainable development. The objective of this paper is to analyze these relationships through two estimates: first, an analysis of the relationship between both types of entrepreneurship and innovations and sustainable development and second, the relationship between social and traditional entrepreneurship and institutions. In both cases, the path coefficient of each of them is compared with respect to the final objective, which would be useful when designing economic policies. Empirical analysis is carried out, producing an estimation of the structural equation modeling (SEM) model using the partial least squares (PLS) technique in the case of 20 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.