Social entrepreneurship as an innovative solution mechanism of social problems in the economy of Kazakhstan

Abstract

Currently, the term “social entrepreneurship” is becoming extremely popular in Kazakhstan among both academics and policy makers, and also it is widely replicated in the media. However, the concept and understanding of social entrepreneurship remains blurred and not unified, criteria for attributing a particular phenomenon to social entrepreneurship have not been established. Despite the existing theoretical background of the study of business models in social entrepreneurship, empirical studies are not sufficiently presented to systematically identify its main types. The development of social entrepreneurship is a priority object of the State's attention. The article discusses various approaches to the identification of social entrepreneurship opportunities and provides best practices for supporting social entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan. The relevance of the topic emphasizes the lack of studies based on the materials of Kazakhstani enterprises. At present in Kazakhstan, there is no clear understanding of the possible directions for the development of social entrepreneurship and the rationale of its support. In this regard, the proposed article devoted to the study of problems and prospects for the development of social entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan seems relevant. To solve the problems posed in the article, the authors used research methods, both quantitative (interviewing, quoting), and qualitative (method of focus groups), case-analysis method. Based on the information received, conclusions are drawn regarding the characteristics of the development of social entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan, including the definition of the concept and recommendations on the most effective support measures.