Unpacking regional social entrepreneurship ecosystem: insights from India

Purpose This study aims to examine the influence of the regional social entrepreneurship ecosystem (RSEE) on the functioning of social enterprises (SEs) in India, with a specific focus on Kerala. By shifting the analysis focus from the national to the regional level, it addresses the limited understanding of how social entrepreneurs experience and interact with ecosystem actors. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative research methodology, drawing on in-depth interviews with 17 social entrepreneurs across the state of Kerala. Thematic data analysis was performed to identify patterns of interaction between SEs and diverse ecosystem stakeholders. Findings This study reveals that SEs are strongly supported and fostered by regionally embedded institutions, such as state and local governments, as well as by locally available actors. The findings emphasise that a strong RSEE is critical for SE growth and sustainability and that research and policy attention should shift from national to regional ecosystems. Originality/value This study contributes to the SE scholarship by focusing on the RSEE and examining how social entrepreneurs experience and engage with ecosystem actors at the local/regional level.