Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Fourth Sector Sustainable Best-Practices from Across the World

“The fourth sector” consists of for-benefit organizations that combine market-based approaches of the private sector with the social and environmental aims of the public and non-profit sectors. This book examines successful experiences around the world in entrepreneurship in the fourth sector in recent times. The chapters also reveal the pivotal role of the public sector collaboration with private entities in solving the problems of humanity.

Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Fourth Sector.- Part I: Consolidation of the Fourth Sector Within the Solidarity Economy.- Humanitarian Social Logistic and the Fourth Sector: Policy Design for Communities Affected by the Disaster.- Nonprofit Organizations of the Fourth Sector That Promote Education Social Solidarity Economy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution of Medellin, Colombia.- Social Innovation, Fourth Sector and the Commodification of the Welfare State: The Portuguese Experience.- Part II: Best-Practices Case Studies Across the World.- A Case Study of a Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship: The Local Action Group POEDA.- Case Study: How Medellin Is Creating a Hub for Impact Start-ups.- The Behobia/San Sebastián Race: Running Past the Boundaries of Sport.- The Project Partnership for Local Development: The Fourth Sector and Hybrid Initiatives.- Social Innovative Approaches on Health Care: Evidence from Home Hospitalization in Portugal—the Elvas Study.- Havírov: “The City of Green” and Its Fourth Sector Sustainability Activities. One Case Study from the Czech Republic.- Commitment to Social Responsibility in a Third Sector Organization: The Case of Alfazema Flower.- Part III: Discussion About Social Innovation and Business.- Sustainability Perspective Through Social Responsibility in Microenterprises of Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Mexico.- Social Innovation: Insights in the Fourth Sector in Portugal.- The Fourth Sector and the 2030 Strategy on Green and Circular Economy in the Region of Extremadura.- Marketing for Business Opportunities Management on Foreign Investment and Productive Enchainments.

María Isabel Sánchez-Hernández is professor, lecturer and researcher at University of Extremadura (Spain). She is specialized in sustainability and corporate social responsibility for regional competitiveness. Her research interests range across several key areas within social entrepreneurship and social innovation, including public and social policies. 

Luísa Carvalho is professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal (Portugal).  She is also a researcher at the Center for Advanced Studies in Management and Economics (CEFAGE), University of Èvora (Portugal). She is specialized in entrepreneurship and social innovation.

Conceição Rego is professor and researcher at the Center for Advanced Studies in Management and Economics (CEFAGE) at the University of Évora (Portugal). She has coordinated and participated in several projects in the areas of regional development, population economics, and education economics.

Maria Raquel Lucas is professor and researcher at the Center for Advanced Studies in Management and Economics (CEFAGE) at the University of Évora (Portugal). She is also the coordinator of master’s courses at the National University of East Timor and is active in several national and international projects involving transnational studies with Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

Adriana Noronha is professor and researcher at the University of São Paulo (Brazil). Her research focus is on quantitative methods for decision-making in management, active methods of teaching and learning, and entrepreneurial training.