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What are the key enablers and constraints shaping an intermediator’s ability to create value and strengthen the sustainability of social enterprises?

The problem:

Despite increasing investment and recognition of the social enterprise sector’s role in addressing society’s grand challenges such as social equity, inclusion, and developing social enterprises, the contributions of intermediary organisations remain underexplored. Little is known about their roles, value propositions and transformative potential in building the capacity of social enterprises to tackle these complex challenges.

Our research:

• Combined case studies and documentary analysis to explore the role of social enterprise intermediaries across Australia’s states and territories.
• Examined how intermediaries operate at the meso level to identify ecosystem gaps and differences between macro and micro-level actors and interactions.
• Developed a typology of value propositions and a theoretical framework outlining the dynamic capabilities intermediaries need to maximise their transformative impact on individual and societal wellbeing.

Our impact:

• Advances Value Theory in Services Marketing by applying it to the context of social enterprise.
• Provides practical insights for social enterprise intermediaries to strengthen their dynamic capabilities and create transformative value.
• Supports the sustainability and strategic positioning of the social enterprise sector across Australia.

This research is designed to have a significant impact on both theory and practice of social enterprises.