Encouragement factors of social entrepreneurial activities in Europe

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a new approach of investigating social entrepreneurship, i.e. we identify the determinants of undertaking social entrepreneurial activities, by conducting empirical analysis in Europe. Using the global entrepreneurship monitor and adult population survey, we argue that (i) social entrepreneurial activities are affected by sociodemographic characteristics and (ii) innovation and social entrepreneurial activities are positively related. We apply appropriate estimation techniques such as probit model for dichotomous variable. Identifying factors which encourage social entrepreneurial activities, with special emphasis on European economies, might be of crucial importance for European policy makers who design programs related to fostering social entrepreneurship.