The Power of Social Entrepreneurship: Reviving Ghost Towns

The article explores the transformational potential of social entrepreneurship in solving the problems of abandoned ghost towns in Ukraine. The relevance of the topic is due to the need to revive these towns as centers of economic activity and social integration. Social entrepreneurship is presented as a viable solution, offering innovative ways to rebuild towns, create livelihoods, and support sustainable development. The aim of the study is to summarize the opportunities of social entrepreneurship as a tool for the economic and social recovery of ghost towns. A theoretical approach is used, based on the analysis of scientific literature. Ghost towns are considered as spaces for implementing social projects. The study focuses on summarizing the benefits of social entrepreneurship. The main hypothesis is that, with appropriate support, social entrepreneurship can become the foundation for the long-term development of ghost towns. The methodology includes the analysis of theoretical approaches and their application to the real case of Tsukrovariv (Kirovohrad region). The research outlines potential directions for development: small business, agriculture, and local services. Joint efforts by local authorities, businesses, and communities are described as a key success factor. It is identified that affordable housing, public spaces, and government grants are crucial for supporting internally displaced people. Comprehensive recommendations for implementing social entrepreneurship in such environments are proposed. The results may be applied in revitalization programs and state policy development after empirical testing. The practical value lies in using social entrepreneurship at the level of specific communities and regions of Ukraine. The scientific novelty is a complex interdisciplinary approach that considers social, economic, and ecological challenges in Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Further research will focus on empirical testing of the proposed assumptions. The current study is theoretical, which limits the practical verification of conclusions. Article type: theoretical.