SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A DEVELOPMENT FACTOR FOR SOCIALLY-ORIENTED NGOS: OPPORTUNITIES AND PROSPECTS

This article examines the potential of social entrepreneurship (SE) support infrastructure, particularly Social Innovation Centers (SICs), in enhancing the capabilities of socially oriented nonprofit organizations (SONPOs). The author explores the theoretical foundations of hybridization in the social economy, highlighting the convergence between SONPOs and social enterprises, and analyzes SICs’ engagement practices in supporting SONPOs, drawing on case studies from Northwestern Federal District regions as well as best practices from other regions. The study reveals that regional SICs in Northwestern Russia predominantly prioritize social enterprises as small and medium-sized business entities. The article argues that closer collaboration between SICs and resource centers for SONPOs could serve as a pivotal driver for social economy development, generating synergistic effects through the integration of resources, expertise, and infrastructure.