Government as a Facilitator versus Inhibitor of Social Entrepreneurship in Times of Public Health Emergencies

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Mar 13;20(6):5071. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20065071.

Abstract

COVID-19 established the need for even more social entrepreneurship globally. It is important for keeping society together in times of crises because it creates an environment that improves the quality of life during hard times and public health emergencies such as COVID-19. Even though it plays a unique role in returning things back to normal after a crisis, it faces opposition from many parts of society, especially the government. Still, there are not many studies that look at what the government should do to help or stop social enterprise during public health emergencies. That is why the goal of this study was to find out how the government has helped or hindered social entrepreneurs. Content analysis was conducted on the carefully mined data from the internet. The research found that regulations for social enterprises should be loosened, especially during and after pandemics and disasters. This could also make it easier to accomplish things in the government. It was also found that, in addition to financial help, capacity building through training can help social enterprises do more and make a bigger difference. This research provides broader guidelines for policymakers and new entrants in the field.

Keywords: COVID-19; health governance; public health emergency; role of government; social entrepreneurship.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Emergencies
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Government
  • Humans
  • Public Health*
  • Quality of Life

Grants and funding

Researchers Supporting Project number (RSP2023R87), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.