Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneur as Mechanisms for Environmental Sustainability Impact in Malaysia: An Exploratory Case Study Perspective

Abstract

Social entrepreneurial (SE) innovation is gaining increasing significance in research and practice in Malaysia and globally. However, existing literature highlights a gap in documenting SE's role in environmental sustainability. This article explores how SE innovation can catalyze environmental sustainability in Malaysia. Our study demonstrates that social entrepreneurs leverage their innovations to create social value, focusing on environmental sustainability. A comprehensive literature review identifies significant gaps, notably the need for more research on social entrepreneurs, their methodologies, and the context of their innovations. The primary objective of this article is to analyze the relationship between social entrepreneurs and their innovations and how these innovations contribute to environmental sustainability. Our findings reveal a positive correlation between social entrepreneurship and innovation, underscoring the potential of SE to drive environmental sustainability. To advance future research on social entrepreneurial innovation and its environmental impact, we recommend adopting the Sustainable Social Entrepreneur Model (SSEM).