Purpose

This study examines the role of universities in the social entrepreneurship ecosystems (SEEs) in Latin America from the perspective of female academic staff, administrators and outreach workers of universities in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative approach, the study scrutinises in-depth interviews conducted with 24 women from eight Latin American universities.

Findings

The findings underscore the pivotal role of universities in promoting social entrepreneurship through knowledge generation, entrepreneur training, network enhancement and the promotion of equity. They also highlight the importance of incorporating a gender perspective into university programmes and practices.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative nature and small, diverse sample of this research inherently limit its scope. However, these limitations arise from the exploratory approach adopted, which was confined to eight Latin American countries. Further comparative studies in different contexts are needed to deepen the understanding of the dynamics involved.

Practical implications

Universities should offer more tangible support and training in social entrepreneurship with a gender focus. Governments can create incentives for universities to prioritise their contribution in this area.

Social implications

The study emphasises the potential of women-led social entrepreneurship initiatives to generate positive impact, underscoring the need for inclusive supportive environments.

Originality/value

By providing insights on the role of Latin American universities in SEEs from a gender perspective, this study contributes to limited literature on the intersection of social entrepreneurship, gender, higher education and geographic context in the region. The research underscores the need to further explore how gender and regional dynamics influence social entrepreneurial ecosystems.

中文翻译：

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大学在拉丁美洲社会创业生态系统中的作用：性别视角

目的

本研究从该地区大学女性学术人员、管理人员和外展人员的角度审视了拉丁美洲大学在社会创业生态系统（SEE）中的作用。

设计/方法论/途径

该研究采用定性方法，对来自 8 所拉丁美洲大学的 24 名女性进行了深入访谈。

发现

研究结果强调了大学通过知识生成、企业家培训、网络增强和促进公平来促进社会创业的关键作用。他们还强调了将性别观点纳入大学课程和实践的重要性。

研究局限性/影响

这项研究的定性性质和小而多样化的样本本质上限制了其范围。然而，这些限制源于所采用的探索性方法，该方法仅限于八个拉丁美洲国家。需要在不同背景下进行进一步的比较研究，以加深对所涉及动态的理解。

实际影响

大学应在以性别为重点的社会创业方面提供更多切实的支持和培训。政府可以为大学制定激励措施，优先考虑在这一领域做出贡献。

社会影响

该研究强调了女性主导的社会创业举措产生积极影响的潜力，强调了包容性支持环境的必要性。

原创性/价值

通过从性别角度深入了解拉丁美洲大学在社会经济环境中的作用，本研究为有关该地区社会创业、性别、高等教育和地理背景交叉点的有限文献做出了贡献。该研究强调需要进一步探索性别和区域动态如何影响社会创业生态系统。