Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1
Department of Entrepreneurship Management, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2
Department of Industry Management, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: The social entrepreneurship ecosystem offers a novel approach to facilitating contemporary businesses and addressing the needs of target communities. However, research indicates that the majority of entrepreneurial initiatives fall short of achieving their intended objectives. This failure is largely attributable to their origin in the needs, capacities, and aspirations of specific individuals, groups, or organizations, without a comprehensive understanding of broader societal conditions. Such shortcomings stem from a lack of coordination among diverse initiatives, the absence of an ecosystemic structure and network-based connectivity, and insufficient logical integration between entrepreneurial hubs and the community at large. In response to these challenges, this study seeks to design a model for the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Tehran.
Methodology: The present research adopts a mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative). In the qualitative phase, 15 entrepreneurship specialists and experienced practitioners were selected through snowball sampling. Over three rounds of a fuzzy Delphi process, key components were identified from theoretical foundations and prior literature, culminating in expert consensus. In the first quantitative phase, fuzzy cognitive mapping was employed to delineate the causal relationships among various research elements. In the second quantitative phase, data were collected via 384 questionnaires distributed to citizens visiting neighborhood community centers across all 22 districts of Tehran, using convenience sampling. Questionnaire validity was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis employing structural equation modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS 3 software. Reliability was confirmed via Cronbach's alpha coefficient.
Findings: The results indicated that economic sustainability, social sustainability, and service quality exerted the greatest influence, while service quality, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability were the most significantly impacted dimensions. Furthermore, service quality and social sustainability demonstrated the highest centrality indices. The findings also confirmed that the proposed social entrepreneurship ecosystem model exhibits a strong goodness-of-fit. Within this ecosystemic framework, it is possible to enhance citizen satisfaction, trust, and cooperation, ultimately fostering economic, social, cultural, and environmental sustainability.
Conclusion / Implications: The findings suggest that addressing fundamental societal needs-alongside achieving social, cultural, environmental, economic, and service sustainability-is attainable through a well-designed social entrepreneurship ecosystem. Entrepreneurial success is assured when the target community's needs are effectively met, thereby securing their satisfaction, trust, and active cooperation. Accordingly, it is recommended that comprehensive studies be conducted to identify social and economic needs, particularly in vulnerable communities or areas with high potential for social entrepreneurship in Tehran-such as environmental conservation, education, healthcare, and social services. The establishment of innovation centers and accelerators specifically dedicated to social entrepreneurship is advised, offering consulting services, training programs, and specialized workshops to enhance entrepreneurial, managerial, and marketing competencies. Moreover, strengthening local networks to connect social entrepreneurs with one another and with supportive organizations is essential for fostering a resilient and sustainable ecosystem.
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