Configurational Factors Driving Scaling Potential for Tech-Enabled Regenerative Social Entrepreneurship

Responding to global crises necessitates a shift towards regenerative outcomes, a goal increasingly pursued by social entrepreneurship leveraging deep technologies. Scaling the impact of such ventures presents significant challenges, highlighting the need to understand the interplay of multiple influencing factors. This study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating a literature review guided by Theories of Technological Change and Diffusion and Causal Layered Analysis with fs/QCA applied to cross-country GEM and World Bank data. The analysis sought to identify configurations of individual, organizational/activity, and contextual conditions sufficient for scaling potential proxies (early-stage entrepreneurial activity and formal venture creation). Findings reveal multiple distinct combinations of factors, demonstrating equifinality in achieving these outcomes, including conditions related to entrepreneurial perceptions, innovation, and environmental commitment. Interpreted via CLA, the results suggest configurations encompassing innovation or strong ESG commitment may hold enhanced potential for contributing to regenerative impact beyond conventional growth. The study offers insights for cultivating environments and strategies that facilitate scaled, positive socio-ecological change.