From fragmentation to system leverage: an analysis of the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in emerging tourism destinations

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Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to identify and analyze the factors influencing social entrepreneurship in emerging destinations and to examine the relationships among these factors based on Isenberg's entrepreneurial ecosystem framework. Design/methodology/approach: The research adopts a mixed-methods approach. First, factors were identified across six ecosystem dimensions through expert interviews. Then, the factors were refined using the fuzzy Delphi method. Finally, the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method was applied to analyze the relationships within the ecosystem structure. Findings: The findings show that the institutional and social factors – government support, incentive policies, social capital, human capital, and communication – serve as the main drivers, while market, finance, innovation, and tourism infrastructure are primarily outcomes of ecosystem interactions. Practical implications: The results indicate that social entrepreneurship in such contexts emerges through processes of empowerment, collective learning, and institutional governance. Social implications: The role of social and institutional factors in fostering social entrepreneurship and inclusive development is highlighted. Originality/value: This study provides the first systematic examination of the factors affecting social entrepreneurship in tourism and offers new insights into their interactions.

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