Reconsidering capitalism: the promise of social innovation and social entrepreneurship? Introduction

This special edition explores and analyses the complexities and possibilities of social enterprise and social innovation. While these related concepts have been subject to considerable research, policy and practitioner attention, detailed empirical studies of the processes involved, the impact of social enterprises, the effects of social innovations and the motivations of social entrepreneurs, and those with whom they partner, are rare. The articles which follow present fresh evidence to provide contemporary insights into: the role of risk in shaping the effectiveness of social enterprises; the mediating function of not-for-profit organisations in the process of social innovation; the relevance of local embeddedness and sociocultural context; and the practice of social entrepreneurship within fluctuating and difficult environmental circumstances. These articles provide convincing examinations of and insights into social enterprise and social innovation which, at times, challenge dominant state within the mainstream' entrepreneurship discourse. Individually, they offer recommendations for future research and collectively, identify a research agenda for developing knowledge about social entrepreneurship and social innovation.