Institutional and territorial drivers of rural social enterprise ecosystems: Evidence from Finland
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15678/SER.2025.2.09Keywords:
rural social enterprise, institutional support, ecosystem development, regional policy, FinlandAbstract
Background: This article investigates the interplay between institutional frameworks and territorial conditions in shaping the development of rural social enterprise (RSE) ecosystems in Finland.
Research objectives: Drawing on comparative case analysis across three regions—Lapland, Satakunta, and Kainuu—the study identifies key configurations of governance structures, socio-economic conditions, and infrastructural dynamics that enable or constrain the emergence and sustainability of RSEs.
Research design and methods: Through document analysis, expert interviews, and regional data, the research introduces the concept of "institutional–territorial fit" to explain the varied trajectories of ecosystem formation.
Results: The findings show that successful RSE ecosystems are contingent on multi-level institutional coordination, place-based adaptability, and civic engagement.
Conclusions: The article concludes with strategic recommendations for fostering resilient, inclusive, and territorially embedded social enterprise ecosystems.
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