Dynamics between universities and social entrepreneurs: Insights from a multi-country project in Latin America

Abstract

Research has stressed the importance of universities in developing entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) and their possible social and economic impacts on society. Concerning this commitment, social entrepreneurs (SEs) favor university actions that facilitate the improvement of their individual capital. However, research on this topic has received little attention. This study investigated how universities contribute to the advancement of EEs. It also examines the mechanisms that universities employ to support SEs. Two survey instruments were administered: one to 418 SEs, and the other to 494 people affiliated with universities. The results indicate that universities can be key actors in EEs because they can mobilize resources aligned with their institutional commitments, including training, facilities, and contact with several stakeholders. Additionally, SEs rely on training opportunities and connections with other stakeholders to implement entrepreneurial initiatives. Accordingly, our study highlights the critical role universities play in the development and survival of SEs. © 2023 W. Michael Hoffman Center for Business Ethics at Bentley University.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Latin America Universities Institutional support Social entrepreneurship entrepreneurial ecosystems

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations

Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, BRU, Belgium

Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral Ecuador, Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador

Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral Ecuador, Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador, Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral Ecuador, Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador

Funding & Acknowledgements

European Commission, EC

Grant: 617788‐EPP‐1‐2020‐1‐BE‐EPPKA2‐CBHE‐JP

Funding text 1: This study is part of the joint project European and Latin American Network in Support of Social Entrepreneurs (ELANET), co‐founded by the ERASMUS+ Program of the European Union. The ELANET project was led by the Chair of Social Entrepreneurship at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium, where 34 universities and partner organizations participated. The objective of ELANET is to assess the needs of SEs and enhance the capabilities that HEIs require to support SEs.; Funding text 2: This work was supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union [Grant No. 617788‐EPP‐1‐2020‐1‐BE‐EPPKA2‐CBHE‐JP].

European Commission, EC

Funding text 1: This study is part of the joint project European and Latin American Network in Support of Social Entrepreneurs (ELANET), co‐founded by the ERASMUS+ Program of the European Union. The ELANET project was led by the Chair of Social Entrepreneurship at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium, where 34 universities and partner organizations participated. The objective of ELANET is to assess the needs of SEs and enhance the capabilities that HEIs require to support SEs.; Funding text 2: This work was supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union [Grant No. 617788‐EPP‐1‐2020‐1‐BE‐EPPKA2‐CBHE‐JP].

Erasmus+

Funding text 1: This study is part of the joint project European and Latin American Network in Support of Social Entrepreneurs (ELANET), co‐founded by the ERASMUS+ Program of the European Union. The ELANET project was led by the Chair of Social Entrepreneurship at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium, where 34 universities and partner organizations participated. The objective of ELANET is to assess the needs of SEs and enhance the capabilities that HEIs require to support SEs.; Funding text 2: This work was supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union [Grant No. 617788‐EPP‐1‐2020‐1‐BE‐EPPKA2‐CBHE‐JP].

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Dynamics between universities and social entrepreneurs: Insights from a multi-country project in Latin America

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