Book

How can social entrepreneurship contribute to sustainable development across countries with different income levels? This book examines how social enterprises combine economic activity with social objectives, and how public policy can support their contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The study explains the distinctive features of social entrepreneurship and compares economic, social and environmental indicators across country income groups between 2015 and 2023. Using indirect estimates of social enterprise density and international development data, it examines differences in employment, poverty, health, education, access to electricity and environmental pressures. The analysis distinguishes observed associations from evidence of causation. Particular attention is given to the state–society–business value chain and to the conditions under which social enterprises can complement public programmes and conventional businesses. The book develops recommendations concerning social procurement, access to finance, institutional support and inclusive service delivery. It is intended for researchers, students, policymakers and practitioners interested in social entrepreneurship and sustainable development.