Corporate social responsibility, impact investing, and social entrepreneurship: A comparative perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29070/h50vsx39Keywords:
Corporate Social Responsibility, Impact Investing, Social Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development, ESG, Sustainable Finance, Corporate Governance, Social Innovation, CSR Law, Inclusive GrowthAbstract
The increasing global emphasis on sustainable development, ethical business practices, and inclusive economic growth has transformed the traditional understanding of corporate responsibility and investment practices. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), impact investing, and social entrepreneurship have emerged as three significant approaches aimed at addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges through market-oriented mechanisms. Although these concepts differ in their structure, objectives, operational frameworks, and legal implications, they collectively contribute toward sustainable development and social welfare.
This article critically examines CSR, impact investing, and social entrepreneurship from a comparative perspective. It explores their conceptual foundations, historical evolution, operational models, regulatory frameworks, and practical implications in national and international contexts. The study further analyzes the role of governments, corporations, investors, and entrepreneurs in promoting socially responsible business ecosystems. Special attention is given to the Indian legal framework relating to CSR under the Companies Act, 2013, as well as the growing significance of sustainable finance and impact-driven enterprises globally.
The article adopts a doctrinal and analytical methodology based upon secondary sources including statutes, policy documents, scholarly literature, international reports, and judicial interpretations. It identifies similarities and distinctions between CSR, impact investing, and social entrepreneurship in terms of accountability, profit orientation, sustainability goals, stakeholder participation, and social impact measurement.
The study concludes that while CSR primarily operates as a corporate compliance and ethical responsibility mechanism, impact investing represents a finance-oriented strategy integrating profit with measurable social outcomes, whereas social entrepreneurship focuses upon innovative and sustainable solutions to societal problems through entrepreneurial initiatives. The article emphasizes the need for integrated regulatory frameworks, collaborative governance, and sustainable financial ecosystems to strengthen these emerging models of social and economic transformation.
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