Social innovation, social entrepreneurship and the practice of contemporary entrepreneurial philanthropy

This article examines the intersection of social innovation, social entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial philanthropy in Europe and North America. Using mixed-methods research, it finds that philanthropic actors are increasingly adopting entrepreneurial behaviors like risk-taking and a focus on scaling and innovation. The authors argue that entrepreneurial principles are transforming philanthropic practices but also raise critical questions about the potential for profit orientation to overshadow core mission-driven values, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.