Integrating social and responsible innovation for sustainable entrepreneurship: A metasynthesis of contemporary case studies

Luciana Maines da Silva; Fernanda dos Santos Jorge; Gabriela Zortea Duarte; Yuri Dias Hamdan; George de Salles Canfield

Authors

Luciana Maines da Silva University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1670-0629
Fernanda dos Santos Jorge Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9131-5862
Gabriela Zortea Duarte University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1756-5505
Yuri Dias Hamdan University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0667-4999
George de Salles Canfield University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8889-3154

Keywords:

Metasynthesis, Responsible Innovation, Social Innovation, Sustainability, Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Abstract

This article analyzes the possibilities for integrating Social Innovation (SI) and Responsible Innovation (RI) to guide the development of models of innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship. To this end, a metasynthesis was carried out, analyzing qualitative case studies published between 2021 and 2025, totaling 51 articles. The analysis resulted in four analytical propositions that distinguish the two fields in terms of focus (resolution of social demands versus ethical reflection), impact (systemic transformation versus normative alignment), forms of engagement (organic versus institutionalized collaboration) and locus of origin (bottom-up versus top-down). Based on these propositions, the study proposes a set of integrative guidelines for hybrid initiatives — reflective co-creation, ethical scalability, polycentric governance, and multidimensional evaluation — applicable to social enterprises, impact startups, sustainability-oriented organizations, and community initiatives. These guidelines articulate the normative foundations of IR with the participatory and contextual processes of SI, contributing to the theoretical advancement of the field of innovation and entrepreneurship guided by social, environmental and ethical values. The main contribution lies in the construction of an analytical model capable of guiding practices, public policies and organizational strategies committed to the transition to more responsible and transformative forms of innovation.

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Integrating social and responsible innovation for sustainable entrepreneurship: A metasynthesis of contemporary case studies

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