The Advent of Social Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Social entrepreneurship is attracting growing interest of several actors in the society. It is not only seen as response to numerous constraints, but also to a pressing social demand. Thus, it offers a development model in which social mission, social value creation, social responsibility and sustainability are the key words. In this chapter, the author introduces the emerging field of social entrepreneurship and the new social business models and strategies needed to meet differently social needs and ensure a growing social sector in the global economy. The author chooses to study a specific context: the Saudi context; then, presents the context of social entrepreneurship, the existing Saudi ecosystem and selected social entrepreneurial initiatives undertaken by several stakeholders. These initiatives are reviewed and some inclusive business models are discovered. Finally, the author discusses the empirical findings and opens up research perspectives aiming to understand more the phenomenon in such context with political, practical and educational issues.