Many social enterprises (SEs) in South African marginalized resource-constrained townships face significant obstacles that hinder their ability to sustainably contribute to community development. However, others survive and thrive. What explains their resilience and impact? Drawing on data from qualitative interviews and literature, this paper interrogates how SEs navigate challenges and contribute to community development in Soweto. Findings suggest that the regulatory environment, cooperation and co-production with (local) government, partnerships with corporates, and philanthropic activities of community members and foundations are the core ecosystem factors shaping SEs’ sustainability and impact. The paper contributes to the understanding of how social enterprises in marginalised urban contexts navigate and utilise these ecosystem factors, emphasising the importance of tailored policies and collaborations in the ecosystems for fostering community resilience.

Africa’s urban transformation is among the most consequential demographic processes of the twenty-first century. By 2050, the continent’s urban population is projected to more than double, and cities such as Lagos, Kinshasa, Nairobi, Cairo, and Johannesburg will absorb hundreds of millions of new residents into landscapes already marked by infrastructural deficit, spatial inequality, and institutional fragility.

Unintended consequences of scaling social impact through organizational growth strategy in social enterprises

Children with disabilities were unlikely to be included in response strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in the poorest countries that prioritise medical models. We aimed to understand the impact of COVID-19 on these children and their families in South Africa, through the lens of the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, to advance service delivery that could make a difference to their lives. Caregivers of children with developmental disabilities from an online parent network (n=400), initiated by Shonaquip Social Enterprise during the COVID-19 pandemic, were invited to participate in an online survey in October 2021, to understand their experiences. A quantitative analysis was conducted using Stata Statistical Software. NVivo 14, QSR International, enabled an iterative thematic analysis, using the ICF Framework. Out of 400 parents surveyed, 68 (17%) responded. They reported declines in child health (n=11, 16%), contracting COVID-19 infections (n=6, 9%) and demise (n=2, 3%) alongside food insecurity (n=42, 62%), income losses (n=17, 26%) and restricted educational access (n=22, 32%) during the pandemic. Caregiving was described as 'very stressful' (n=33, 49%) and some needed substances to cope (n=5, 7%). Parents expressed that services for children with disabilities were not prioritised during the pandemic. Although the parent network empowered resilience, strong themes of isolation were equivalent to their pre-pandemic experiences. By collaborating with community organisations, and leveraging technology, we reached vulnerable populations during the pandemic in South Africa. By contextualising the ICF framework and 'F-Words', we exposed the challenges of families which may be compared with a crisis in low- and middle-income countries, beyond a pandemic. Whereas COVID-19 forced us to reimagine addressing these needs, this is a call to relisten and rebuild systems around children with disabilities. Bridging research to practice gaps and strengthening family resilience should be 'just a normal day'.

Purpose With the orientation for sustainability, circular economy (CE) is promoted through “exaptive events” such as educational workshops. Social enterprises (SEs) play an important role in CE transformation but face significant challenges. Whilst exaptation theory is well-studied in commercial context, less is known about its role in driving SE innovation. Thus, this paper aims to answer the following research question: how can exaptive events facilitate circular economy innovation in the context of social enterprise? Design/methodology/approach This paper conducted an in-depth case study of a CE-themed project in the UK, engaging with the event organisers and SE participants. Data were collected through interview, observation and secondary documentation. Using a structured inductive approach, this paper identified key themes and generated a grounded theoretical model. Findings Four themes are identified as: 1) knowledge sharing, 2) exaptive pools, 3) exaptive relations and 4) challenges to SE sustainability and success. Findings indicate that exaptive events can enhance SE innovation. Also, the connection of exaptive events, tools and relations helps overcome barriers in finance, commercial viability, social value and cross-sector collaboration. Nevertheless, finance and commercial viability inhibit SE’s further effective innovations. Originality/value By offering a new perspective – exaptive events – on SE innovation, this study extends the application of exaptive innovation beyond private-sector product commercialisation to tackling challenges faced by SEs. This study indicates that practitioners and policymakers can leverage exaptive events to promote sustainable development. For SEs, collaboration with public sectors through these events promotes resource sharing, joint innovation and commercialisation opportunities.

Supporting employment for people with intellectual disabilities is essential for their social inclusion and psychological well-being. Previous studies have explored how social enterprises facilitate employment for this group. However, relatively little attention has been given to family-driven social enterprises, particularly the behavioral motivations and mechanisms through which parents create inclusive work opportunities for their adult children. This exploratory single-case study investigates why and how parents engage in social entrepreneurship to support individuals with intellectual disabilities. Findings show that parents dynamically mobilize human and material capital, driven by both egoistic and altruistic motives. Meanwhile, the enterprise gradually evolved from an informal initiative into a more structured organization. Employment inclusion emerged as the primary outcome, enabled by knowledge acquisition and capacity building, with social empowerment as a broader benefit. The study contributes by identifying dual parental motivations, extending resource bricolage to family-driven social entrepreneurship, and reconceptualizing bricolage as a strategic management of human and material capital.

The exponential growth of digital information has led to an unprecedented surge in unstructured data originating from sources such as social media, multimedia platforms, sensor networks, and enterprise systems. Traditional relational databases and structured storage frameworks are increasingly inadequate for handling the scale, heterogeneity, and velocity of such data. This paper examines efficient storage and retrieval models for large-scale unstructured data analytics, focusing on distributed architectures, indexing strategies, and intelligent retrieval mechanisms. By synthesizing advances in cloud storage systems, NoSQL databases, vector search techniques, and machine learning–assisted data organization, the study evaluates how modern data infrastructures can optimize performance, scalability, and accessibility. The findings highlight the importance of hybrid storage paradigms and semantic retrieval frameworks in enabling rapid, accurate analysis of massive unstructured datasets, thereby supporting data-driven decision-making across industries.

Abstract Scaling up is a key strategic challenge for social enterprises, organized as hybrid organizations, that pursue multiple, potentially conflicting goals (e.g., profit and social impact), because tensions arising from these conflicting goals become particularly salient in growth phases. Whereas differentiated hybrids exclude beneficiaries from value creation processes, rendering them as sole recipients of social value, integrated hybrids include beneficiaries, making them co-creators of social value. Based on a qualitative case study of 22 German social enterprises, we set out to elucidate how social enterprises, organized as differentiated or integrated hybrids, manage scaling tensions along the scaling process. We find that integrating beneficiaries into value creation, affects their prioritization of scaling strategies, what kinds of scaling tensions emerge and how they strategically respond to tensions throughout the scaling process. We build on a four-stage process model illustrating how the scalability of social enterprises is shaped by differentiation and integration at each stage, from setting goals and conceiving scaling strategies, to their execution and evaluation. Differentiation allows for stronger growth with a higher risk of mission drift, by prioritizing avoidance-based responses to tensions. Integration makes hybrids more perceptive to tensions, allowing for proactive, dialogue-based responses. With our findings we contribute to the extant literature on scaling up social enterprises, tension management in social enterprises and the literature on the influence of institutional settings on hybridity and scalability.

In wartime conditions, social and territorial imbalances become especially stronger. They show up in weak support for vulnerable groups of people, insufficient development of transport infrastructure, limited access to basic and municipal services, and also a low level of public health. It has been proven that, to solve the problems of sustainable development of rural areas, logistics goes beyond a purely economic function and turns into a socially oriented tool for managing territories, gaining the features of social logistics. Social entrepreneurship is viewed as a practical carrier of social logistics at the local level. Social enterprises, especially cooperative ones, can introduce affordable logistics solutions in transportation, social services, and public utility services, utilize local resources effectively, and mitigate social and spatial imbalances between communities. Their development largely depends on the quality of the institutional environment and the level of logistics support. It is stated that social value is created in parallel with economic value, and logistics solutions ensure effective service delivery to the community and the financial stability of the enterprise. Cooperation between social entrepreneurship, local self-government bodies, and scientific institutions creates conditions for developing effective logistics models aimed at sustainable development, social inclusion, and improving the quality of life of people in rural areas. The study argues that it is necessary to strengthen the role of institutional factors, including the legal and regulatory framework, state support, and partnership mechanisms between authorities, businesses, and civil society. It is justified that logistics factors, especially access to transport infrastructure, organization of supply and sales, optimization of the vehicle fleet, and reduction of operating costs, determine economic viability and competitiveness. The role of cooperation as an organizational mechanism for developing social entrepreneurship in rural territorial communities is proven.

Concerns regarding the limitations of traditional financial reporting and the narrow focus on shareholder value have led to growing interest in Integrated Reporting (IR), which aims to improve information quality for stakeholders and support sustainability. This study investigates the development of research on Integrated Reporting Quality (IRQ), including its theoretical foundations, measurement methods, influencing factors, and the role of IR in supporting socialpreneurship. Using a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of 53 selected articles from 2021 to 2025, and guided by PRISMA methodology, the study explores trends, theories, and keyword networks within IRQ research. The findings reveal key theoretical lenses such as agency, stakeholder, and legitimacy theories, and identify widely used measurement tools like the IR Scoreboard. Furthermore, the study demonstrates how high-quality IR can enhance transparency, attract impact investors, and foster sustainable value creation in social enterprises. Overall, this research provides valuable theoretical insights and practical recommendations for improving IRQ and underscores its strategic importance in advancing sustainability and accountability in socialpreneurship.

This qualitative research aims to investigate the operational processes and success factors of social enterprises in the context of agricultural development in Thailand. The study synthesizes practical guidelines to enhance the promotion of agricultural social enterprises. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Key informants consisted of 50 purposively selected individuals, including social enterprise committee members, social enterprise group members, and representatives from relevant government agencies, private organizations, and relevant communities. Four case studies of agricultural social enterprises with varying profit-sharing models were analyzed using content analysis. The research findings revealed that the operations of social enterprises in agricultural development involve creating shared concepts among group members, developing farmer groups to become entrepreneurs, and building upon organic farming systems to generate income for communities. Success factors involved with the promotion of social enterprises include knowledge development, community participation; member relationships contribute to efficient operations because social enterprises focus on internal processes, which affect their operations or members and group management. The proposed guidelines for promoting agricultural social enterprises encompass three key phases: (1) Initial Development focuses on setting social missions and goals based on local contexts and sufficiency economy principles; (2) Operational Strengthening includes developing production processes, participatory management, and organic certification; and (3) Strategic Expansion involves building cross-sectorial collaborations, farmer networks, and sustainable marketing mechanisms. This study offers practical implications for policymakers, local leaders, and development practitioners to enhance agricultural social enterprises as a mechanism for inclusive, community-based, and sustainable rural development in Thailand.

Social enterprises (SEs) engage in business activities to address social issues and fulfill social missions. Existing literature has mainly focused on a resource-oriented perspective, assuming that SEs either have or do not have resources. Therefore, we know very little about SEs in non-munificent institutional environments. Drawing on resource dependence theory and the bricolage framework, this study analyzes how SEs in China strategically select organizational structures to navigate legitimacy and resource challenges. Findings reveal that nonprofit SEs often employ social bricolage to enhance community engagement and visibility, while certified SEs leverage diverse partnerships for resource acquisition. In contrast, for-profit SEs face unique challenges in building organizational legitimacy but can access private sector resources through their business-oriented status. This research underscores the importance of tailoring strategies to maximize legitimacy and resource mobilization in the pursuit of social impact.

Financial inclusion, meaning access to suitable financial services and products, is still a major development goal in emerging economies. In India, many people remain outside the formal financial system. This study explores how social enterprises can help close these gaps by using innovative, impact-focused financing. Through a mix of literature review, data analysis, and case studies, we show that well-financed social enterprises can effectively bring formal financial services to underserved groups. Our results suggest that blended financing - using grants, concessional loans, and impact equity - helps social enterprises stay sustainable while making a real social difference. We also highlight challenges such as mission drift, over-indebtedness, and regulatory uncertainty, and propose a step-by-step financing approach to help social enterprises grow sustainably. This paper adds to development finance theory by showing, with evidence, that social and financial goals can work together when the right financing is in place.

Integration of Halal Tourism and Pesantren Empowerment in Community Service: A Model for Social and Spiritual Development. This community service program aims to develop a pesantren-based halal tourism model by establishing a professional social homestay at PPPA Raudhatul Jannah, Bantul. The initiative is strategically designed to enhance financial sustainability, enabling free Qur'anic education for underprivileged students and orphans. Utilising a participatory engagement approach, the program involves academics, administrators, and residents. Key implementation steps include homestay management assistance, integration of intensive tahfidz programs, and local economic empowerment through traditional halal culinary activities. Results indicate that the social homestay model serves as a viable, sustainable funding mechanism while strengthening the pesantren's role as an inclusive centre for da'wah and community empowerment. This integrated approach transforms the institution into a faith-based social enterprise. Furthermore, this model contributes to halal tourism grounded in spiritual values and fosters opportunities for international academic collaboration to support the broader dissemination of Islamic values.

Women living on low income in England are at an increased risk of experiencing stillbirth, neonatal death, preterm birth, low birth weight and maternal mortality. Women with poor access to financial, educational, and social and health resources engage less with health and care services throughout their pregnancy, due to social stressors, low health literacy, digital exclusion, lack of support, language barriers, transport difficulties, and stigma and judgement from healthcare professionals. Existing evidence documents the experiences of women facing socioeconomic disadvantage, little is known about how healthcare professionals understand and respond to these barriers. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore professionals' perceptions of the barriers pregnant women living on low income face when accessing maternity care. Data were collected through one-to-one semi-structured interviews with professionals (i.e., midwives, health visitors, Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) practitioner) working in the NHS, local authority or VCSE organisations in the North East of England. Purposive snowballing sampling was used to recruit participants. Anonymised interview data was thematically analysed and incorporated Ecological Systems Theory (EST). Seventeen participants were interviewed (NHS maternity services n = 6; local authority n = 3 and VCSE n = 8). Data highlighted three interlinked levels of barriers that professionals perceived pregnant women living on low income experience accessing maternity care: structural, interactional and individual. Structural barriers included digital exclusion, language-related difficulties and service delivery challenges related to staffing shortages. Interactional barriers included limited social networks, lack of partner involvement, and experiences of racism and discrimination. Lastly, individual level challenges included cost of travel and other pregnancy-related costs, fear of professionals and unfamiliarity with services. Findings from this study present professionals' perspectives of the different challenges pregnant women living on low income face when accessing maternity care. These include language and communication, a lack of social support network, the cost and time of travel and the fear of professionals and unfamiliarity of service. Recommendations to improve access to maternity services include the implementation of recycled smart phones, the use of digital translation apps within appointments and the use of pre-paid travel vouchers.

A hybrid approach to internationalization: An exploratory study of social enterprises

Bringing the founders back in: How does prosocial motivation affect social enterprises’ organizational legitimacy?

Social entrepreneurship, a fast-developing sector in Malaysia, has the capacity to contribute to the social development and economic growth of the nation. Whilst social enterprises in Malaysia have made considerable impacts in terms of enhancing community welfare, driving sustainable development, and fostering inclusive growth, there are still challenges and obstacles that impede their continued development. This article argues that one of the obstacles to the advancement and growth of the social enterprise sector is the government policy on the accreditation of social enterprises in Malaysia. Since its introduction in 2017, the Malaysian government’s policy on the accreditation of social enterprises has been revised four times. This article aims to conduct a critical evaluation of the accreditation policy relating to social enterprises by exploring its development and evolution, followed by highlighting its shortcomings and areas for improvement. This article employs a doctrinal legal study using the exploratory research design and interpretive qualitative content analysis to analyse policy documents related to the accreditation of social enterprises in Malaysia. After examining the effectiveness of the current accreditation policy for social enterprises in Malaysia, this study finds that it is hindered by frequent changes, subjective and ambiguous criteria, and a lack of legislative support, thus raising concerns about issues related to transparency, accountability, and unclear justifications for the introduction of various categories of social enterprises. These findings make a case for legislative intervention to provide greater clarity, certainty, transparency, and accountability on the crucial aspects of social enterprise governance.

Digital transformation in Indonesia’s Islamic economy has rapidly expanded through Shariah-compliant fintech, zakat and waqf digitalization, and innovations in banking and halal industry development. This study aims to analyze how digital transformation supports equitable welfare distribution in Indonesia through a meta-analysis approach. This research applies the meta-analysis method by synthesizing journal articles published between 2015–2025, focusing on 10 national and international studies on digital Islamic economic instruments. The findings show that digital transformation enhances financial inclusion, operational efficiency, zakat distribution, and halal industry competitiveness, although regulatory gaps, low literacy, and cybersecurity risks remain as challenges. Mosque digitalization through the Islamic Social Enterprise model also contributes to strengthening community welfare. Overall, digital transformation is a key enabler of more equitable prosperity distribution in Indonesia. Digital transformation plays a strategic role in accelerating welfare distribution in Indonesia’s Islamic economy.

Social entrepreneurship has emerged as a transformative approach that integrates innovation, inclusion, and sustainability to advance gender empowerment. This study provides a systematic literature review (SLR) of research published between 2020 and 2025, examining how social enterprises contribute to women’s empowerment through inclusive and sustainable business models. Following the PRISMA 2020 protocol, a comprehensive search was conducted using the Scopus database, limited to peer-reviewed, open-access articles in English within the social sciences and business fields. From 180 identified records, 20 duplicates were removed, resulting in 160 studies included in the final synthesis. Thematic analysis revealed five interconnected themes: (1) innovation and inclusive business models; (2) gender empowerment and leadership; (3) community development and social value creation; (4) barriers and enablers of women’s entrepreneurship; and (5) sustainability and institutional support. The findings demonstrate that empowerment through social entrepreneurship is multidimensional, encompassing individual agency, social capital, and institutional transformation. Innovation and open collaboration serve as catalysts for inclusion, while policy and institutional frameworks determine long-term sustainability. The study integrates social capital theory, inclusive innovation, and feminist institutionalism to explain how empowerment emerges within entrepreneurial ecosystems. It concludes that gender empowerment in social entrepreneurship is both a process and an outcome of systemic change—requiring inclusive policies, capacity building, and equitable access to innovation. This review contributes to theory and practice by providing a comprehensive framework linking social entrepreneurship to gender-responsive sustainable development.