Key Factors and Challenges of Scaling Up in Social Entrepreneurship - A Case Study of Successful Social Enterprises

Abstract: Social innovation and social entrepreneurship receive rapidly growing attention today, due to the inability of current structures and policies to meet the most pressing social problems facing the world. This has concentrated attention on the significance scaling social impact can have on social change. This thesis adds to the literature on scaling up in social entrepreneurship, where the main focuses are theoretical on processes and strategies. The thesis takes an explorative approach and aims to identify, explore, and provide an understanding of what the key factors and main challenges are of scaling up in social entrepreneurship. The thesis is based on an analysis of case studies of four different types of successful social enterprises in Sweden. Interviews were conducted with the social entrepreneurs of the different cases and with two external individuals. The analysis identifies as key factors and main challenges: a sustainable team and the social entrepreneur, replication, ability to meet social demands, a long-term sustainable financial model, partners and alliance building, adaptability, timing, and communication. The outcomes contribute with a wider understanding of what the key factors and main challenges are of scaling up in social entrepreneurship, which can add important knowledge for other social entrepreneurs and people involved in this area.