Inclusive Policy-Making in Social Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: The Role of Local Policy Frameworks in Cultivating Inclusive Social Entrepreneurship

In light of growing social and environmental challenges, social entrepreneurship is emerging as a means of creating multiple values. The notion of addressing these challenges in an entrepreneurial way makes social entrepreneurship an attractive option for policy makers. As a result, efforts to foster social entrepreneurial ecosystems are emerging at various political levels and in different areas. To fully realize their potential, policies should be designed and targeted inclusively. Although research organizations and government institutions have generated several guidelines, there is relatively little methodological research on approaches and characteristics that enhance inclusive social entrepreneurial ecosystems at the local policy level. This chapter uses a multiple case study approach to examine policy approaches for promoting social entrepreneurship, both in general and in finance specifically. Four key characteristics for policymaking in social entrepreneurial ecosystems are ultimately identified.