The Role of Social Entrepreneurship in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

This study investigates the role of social entrepreneurship in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a mixed-methods research design. Quantitative analysis was conducted using data from global indices, complemented by regression modeling to assess the impact of social entrepreneurship factors, investment flows, and policy support on SDG progress. Qualitative insights were drawn from interviews with social entrepreneurs across multiple sectors, capturing the mechanisms driving social and environmental outcomes. The findings indicate that social enterprises significantly contribute to poverty alleviation, education access, healthcare provision, and clean energy adoption, while also generating substantial employment. Regression results confirm that the Social Entrepreneurship Factor (SEF) is a significant predictor of SDG advancement, with investment and supportive policies acting as enabling conditions. Furthermore, the study highlights the increasing role of women and youth-led enterprises in fostering inclusivity and resilience. Comparative analysis shows that while commercial enterprises excel in financial returns, social enterprises outperform in sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. These results reinforce the view that social entrepreneurship is a transformative mechanism for delivering multidimensional value and accelerating global progress toward the SDGs. The study offers theoretical contributions to hybrid organizing literature and practical implications for policymakers, investors, and practitioners seeking to design enabling environments for sustainable social innovation.