Social Enterprises' Ecosystems: An International Perspective

The purpose of this study is to offer a perspective of the international ecosystem of social enterprises from the perceptions and expectations of various agents, in order to identify how to strengthen the field in Brazil. The literature on social enterprises and social enterprise ecosystems was reviewed. Through an exploratory qualitative approach, twenty-nine semi-structured interviews were conducted, complemented with documentary collection. The analysis reinforces the importance of three possible elements for consideration in Brazil: the diversification of impact investments, the qualification of social entrepreneurs and the encouragement and promotion of a global movement towards a new mindset. The results summarize a framework for the promotion of social enterprise ecosystems, contributing to the Brazilian debate and the promotion of knowledge in the field. From the perspectives of international actors, the study aggregates new data for future research as well as practical ways to promote the social enterprises' ecosystem.