Social entrepreneurship for scalable solutions addressing sustainable development goals (SDGs) at BoP in India

Abstract

Purpose

The study addresses the crucial issue of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and institutional voids in the peri-urban geographies of India. The peri-urban geographies, though within a cosmopolitical city, lack basic amenities like drinking water, sanitation and waste management. We study social entrepreneurial strategies to address these issues and thereby illustrate strategies that could be used to address sustainable development goals.

Design/methodology/approach

The article uses a multiple case study method to understand how social enterprises can provide scalable solutions addressing SDG related issues in India.

Findings

The research found three strategies that can help provide scalable solutions: First, the extensive use of the latest digital technologies to decrease cost and increase reach; second, extensive partnerships across the board; and finally, a focus on social innovations and business models that are accessible, affordable, available and known to the end-users.

Originality/value

The research contributes to institutional voids literature, SDGs literature and scaling of social enterprise literature. The research confirms that institutional voids are entrepreneurial opportunities. The research empirically shows how social enterprises are addressing SDGs at BoP. Finally, the core findings of the article contribute to the scaling of social enterprise literature.

Citation

Goyal, S., Agrawal, A. and Sergi, B.S. (2021), "Social entrepreneurship for scalable solutions addressing sustainable development goals (SDGs) at BoP in India", Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management, Vol. 16 No. 3/4, pp. 509-529. https://doi.org/10.1108/QROM-07-2020-1992