SOCIAL INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM AND THE INTENSITY LEVELS OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR CROSS-SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS

Abstract

Purpose: to analyze the intensity levels of cross-sector partnerships and how they can help in building a more effective social innovation ecosystem for the social entrepreneur. Design/Methodology: three cases of social organizations and their partnerships, in the Brazilian context, were investigated. The data were collected through 25 interviews with the partners of these projects, and in 78 documents. Data analysis was developed using the technique of qualitative content analysis. Originality/Relevance: this study contributes to clarify the research gap in the area of social innovation ecosystem, especially regarding the relationship dynamics between the actors that compose it. In addition, this study provides some insights into the practical field, since the development of social innovation ecosystems can foster social entrepreneur action. Findings: the main results refer to the study of social innovation ecosystem dynamics and the main actors involved in collaborative actions, such as companies and social entrepreneurs, NGOs, private companies, impact investment funds, universities. The results of this study indicate that the joint work of these actors is one of the most important elements for the effectiveness of the social innovation ecosystem. There were also levels of collaboration between the investigated cases: first level partnerships, second level partnerships, third level partnerships and institutional level partnerships (intermediaries). Theoretical/Methodological contributions: first of all, this study leads to the suggestion of a concept for social innovation ecosystem, since the literature is still initial in this topic. In addition, the current research contributes to the theory, by addressing the dynamics at which social innovation ecosystem actors interact through intersectoral partnerships.