Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Rural Europe

Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Rural Europe explores how social entrepreneurship promotes social innovation in rural regions and addresses social and economic challenges. It demonstrates how social enterprises enact their business models through entrepreneurial reconfiguration of resources and empower local communities, driving change and innovation. The book offers valuable insights into the role of social entrepreneurship in rural innovation and its implications for research, practice, and policy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Rural Europe delves into the intricate relationship between social entrepreneurship and social innovation in rural regions across Europe. Through a comprehensive analysis of longitudinal data collected from four European countries, the book sheds light on how social enterprises strategically reconfigure resources obtained from their network relations to establish viable business models. It further explores how these enterprises empower local communities, fostering change and ultimately driving innovation. By adopting an entrepreneurial mindset and serving as intermediaries between diverse groups and domains of society, social entrepreneurs are able to reframe challenges as opportunities, leading to transformative outcomes.

The argument presented in this book evolves from a descriptive account of social enterprises' reported actions to an in-depth analysis of their actual practices. This analytical journey ultimately leads to an explanation of why these enterprises take the actions they do. By broadening the perspective beyond the individual social enterprises to their interactions and network partners, the book expands the understanding of their role within societal fields.

The presented model complements network theory with the concept of strategic action fields, providing a holistic framework for understanding the dynamics of social entrepreneurship and innovation in rural contexts. This book offers valuable insights that have far-reaching implications for research, practice, and policy, particularly in the fields of social entrepreneurship, innovation, and regional/rural development. Whether one is engaged in practical or academic endeavors, this book will captivate individuals interested in exploring the intersection of social entrepreneurship, innovation, and rural development.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367786021