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Social entrepreneurship: pathways to scale

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  • Lessa Bastos, B.
  • Gómez, G.M.

Abstract

Creating positive and transformational change by meeting social needs is a goal of development organisations. Social entrepreneurship, characterized by the blurring of boundaries between sectors, offers innovative solutions to meet social needs and has emerged as a new developmental actor that does not centre on the state or international aid. However, the limited scope of impact of these initiatives makes reaching scale a central concern but the pathways of scaling are still poorly understood. By analyzing the case of Associação Saúde Criança this study provides insights into the tensions created by market encroachment on the social sector and the feasibility of scaling complex developmental initiatives. Findings show that scaling is not a linear process, it involves adaptation and resilience. Furthermore, market encroachment pressures organizations towards finding a balance between staying financially sustainable and socially relevant.

Suggested Citation

  • Lessa Bastos, B. & Gómez, G.M., 2020. "Social entrepreneurship: pathways to scale," ISS Working Papers - General Series 132629, International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (ISS), The Hague.
    • Handle: RePEc:ems:euriss:132629
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    social entrepreneurship; market-encroachment; scaling;
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