Social enterprise in a local Chinese context: An analysis of the impact of global knowledge mobility in Shanghai

Abstract

This study analyses the global knowledge transfer throughout the social enterprise concept. It explores, through a constructivist lens, how this concept takes place within China’s current landscape, specifically in Shanghai. Furthermore, it attempts to illustrate the potential role of knowledge migration, in contributing to the use of the notion of social enterprises. As Shanghai is composed by a mix of local, foreign and returnee’s residents, this cross-border human mobility has an impact on local individual’s abilities, knowledge and skills. The analysis uses data gathered in four months of fieldwork, which was predominantly focused on local and international actors regarding the social enterprise concept. Overall, it could be observed that none of the interviewees was able to fully understand the social enterprise concept. This could be ascribed to the absence of a common accepted definition, the lack of a legal status and/or the relation with the non-profit sector. Furthermore, local social entrepreneurs barely connect to foreign social entrepreneurs active in Shanghai, there is minimal collaboration between the local and foreign population. Nonetheless, related knowledge from foreigners, students and returnees could play a significant role in solving these problems in the future.