Revisiting Community Entrepreneurship: A Theoretical Perspective on Sustainable Community Development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66635/ceymjc26Keywords:
Community Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development, Social Capital, Community Development, Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Inclusive Development;, Social InnovationAbstract
Community entrepreneurship has emerged as an important approach to promoting inclusive and sustainable development by integrating entrepreneurial activities with community participation, collective ownership, and social value creation. Unlike conventional entrepreneurship, which primarily emphasizes individual profit maximization, community entrepreneurship seeks to generate economic, social, environmental, and cultural benefits for the broader community. This paper presents a comprehensive conceptual review of the evolution, theoretical foundations, dimensions, drivers, and development outcomes of community entrepreneurship. Drawing on established theories including Social Capital Theory, Stakeholder Theory, Sustainable Development Theory, Resource-Based View, and Institutional Theory, the study develops an integrated conceptual framework that explains how community resources, human capital, social capital, leadership, innovation, institutional support, and entrepreneurial capabilities collectively contribute to sustainable community development. The paper further examines the role of community entrepreneurship in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction, gender equality, decent work, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, responsible consumption, and multi-stakeholder partnerships. In addition, the review identifies key research gaps, highlights emerging opportunities associated with digital transformation and collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystems, and discusses policy implications for governments, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and development agencies. By synthesizing contemporary literature, this study provides a comprehensive theoretical foundation for future empirical research and offers practical insights for fostering resilient, inclusive, and sustainable community-based entrepreneurial ecosystems.
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