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The Evolution of Social Entrepreneurship: Broadening the Framework for the Digital and Sustainable Era

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  • José Javier Pérez-Barea

    (Department of Statistics, Econometrics, Operational Research, Business Organization and Applied Economics, University of Cordoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain)

Abstract

This research expands and updates a previous analysis of social entrepreneurship, incorporating the academic literature published between 2017 and 2024. Using the Web of Science database and Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) technique, 1262 articles were analyzed, organized into three time periods (2017–2018, 2019–2021, and 2022–2024). The results show a clear evolution of the field, where sustainability, digitization, and resilience emerge as fundamental axes. Compared to the original research, which identified the convergence between the third sector and corporate social responsibility (CSR), this research reveals a consolidation of hybrid models, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainability is positioned as a transverse axis, integrating economic, social, and environmental objectives. Digital transformation, driven by the pandemic, has facilitated scalability, organizational efficiency, and social impact measurement, but also poses challenges in terms of technological equity. In addition, organizational and community resilience takes center stage as an adaptive response to global crises. Research provides a comprehensive and up-to-date view of social entrepreneurship, identifying key trends and emerging challenges, while mapping new lines of research needed to strengthen the field in an increasingly globalized and technological world.

Suggested Citation

  • José Javier Pérez-Barea, 2025. "The Evolution of Social Entrepreneurship: Broadening the Framework for the Digital and Sustainable Era," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:15:y:2025:i:2:p:55-:d:1587497
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rasheda L. Weaver, 2023. "The Impact of COVID-19 on the Social Enterprise Sector," Journal of Social Entrepreneurship, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(2), pages 177-185, May.
    2. Hau-Lin Tam & Edward Asamoah & Angus Yuk-Fung Chan, 2021. "Developing Social Entrepreneurship as an Intervention to Enhance Disadvantaged Young People’s Sense of Self-Worth and Career Competence in Hong Kong," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 16(6), pages 2497-2526, December.
    3. Christina Lubinski & R. Daniel Wadhwani & William B. Gartner & Renee Rottner, 2024. "Humanistic approaches to change: Entrepreneurship and transformation," Business History, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 66(2), pages 347-363, February.
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