The Evolution of Social Entrepreneurship: Broadening the Framework for the Digital and Sustainable Era

Abstract

This research expands and updates a previous analysis of social entrepreneurship, incorporating the academic literature published between 2017 and 2024. Using the Web of Science database and Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) technique, 1262 articles were analyzed, organized into three time periods (2017–2018, 2019–2021, and 2022–2024). The results show a clear evolution of the field, where sustainability, digitization, and resilience emerge as fundamental axes. Compared to the original research, which identified the convergence between the third sector and corporate social responsibility (CSR), this research reveals a consolidation of hybrid models, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainability is positioned as a transverse axis, integrating economic, social, and environmental objectives. Digital transformation, driven by the pandemic, has facilitated scalability, organizational efficiency, and social impact measurement, but also poses challenges in terms of technological equity. In addition, organizational and community resilience takes center stage as an adaptive response to global crises. Research provides a comprehensive and up-to-date view of social entrepreneurship, identifying key trends and emerging challenges, while mapping new lines of research needed to strengthen the field in an increasingly globalized and technological world.