Abstract

The persistent challenge of achieving inclusive social transformation and long-term sustainability has
drawn attention to social entrepreneurship as a hybrid mechanism for addressing developmental gaps
that governments and markets alone cannot resolve. Despite its growing recognition, existing
scholarship remains fragmented many studies focus narrowly on single sectors, using qualitative
descriptions without robust measurement, or underrepresent certain regions, creating a significant
research gap in understanding the multidimensional role of social entrepreneurship in advancing
sustainable development. This review synthesizes over two decades of literature, complemented by
illustrative figures showing sectoral focus, regional spread, and measurable outcomes. Our findings
reveal that education (22%), livelihoods (20%), and healthcare (18%) dominate social
entrepreneurship initiatives, with South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa receiving disproportionate
research attention. Impact indicators highlight notable improvements, including a 25% rise in income,
35% school retention, and 65% clean energy adoption. The key contribution of this review lies in

developing an integrative framework that connects micro-level entrepreneurial practices with macro-
level sustainable outcomes, while also identifying methodological gaps in impact assessment. By

consolidating diverse evidence, mapping thematic areas, and aligning outcomes with SDGs, this paper
demonstrates the transformative significance of social entrepreneurship and provides a roadmap for
future research, policy, and practice.

Keyword: Social entrepreneurship, social innovation, sustainable development, SDGs, inclusive growth, impact measurement, policy, India, community empowerment, sustainability transitions

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