Scholarly record
ROLE OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN TACKLING ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
Abstract
In order for Latvia to achieve the long-term strategic goal set in its policy documents ? to become the greenest country in the world ? it is essential to promote social entrepreneurship, as the social enterprises perform economic activities having positive social effects in relation to the protection and preservation of the environment. In 2019 in Latvia, 5% of the social enterprises were engaged in the field of environmental protection; therefore, the research aims to examine the role of social entrepreneurship in protecting and preserving the environment. A case study analysis of the performance of four social enterprises revealed that they mostly tackled environmental problems, as well as social and economic problems. Although social entrepreneurship in Latvia is a new industry and the social enterprises selected for the case studies were relatively young, they have nevertheless been able to show positive environmental performance and plan to increase their influence in the future. Social enterprises engaged in the field of environmental protection cover a wide range of activities: sorting and recycling of clothing, provision of catering services, management of unused buildings and areas etc. An analysis of the performance of the social enterprises examined revealed that in addition to tackling environmental problems, the enterprises dealt with social and economic problems, incl. the integration and welfare of socially disadvantaged groups as well as the development of the region and the urban environment. The research also revealed that social enterprise performance and development are affected by the capacity of their human resources, their access to finances and the public?s attitudes towards environmental problems and lifestyles.
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References13
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