Title: Social enterprise marketing strategies' to achieving sustainable development goals in an emerging economy: lessons from emerging economies

Authors: Jashim Uddin Ahmed; Quazi Tafsirul Islam; Asma Ahmed

Addresses: Department of Management, School of Business and Economics, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh ' Department of Management, School of Business and Economics, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh ' InterResearch, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh

Abstract: The paper focuses on the social business enterprise model that has recently gained significance in Bangladesh using case study methodology on GDFL, a French-Bangladeshi joint venture. The purpose is to evaluate and establish whether similar social business models can be implemented in developing and transitional economies to address poverty issues and achieve several sustainable development goals (SDGs). The authors intend to establish how social businesses impact economies and improve people's lives. Based on this article, it can be argued that GDFL is a social enterprise that utilises the blended revenue approach to remain economically sustainable. The multifaceted GDFL initiative positively contributes to sustainable development across the value chain and in achieving SDG 1, 2, 3, 8. This can also be successfully implemented in similar developing and transitional economies in Asia and Africa. Using Grameen Danone as an illustration, the study explores the nature, operations, objectives, and implications of social businesses.

Keywords: social enterprise; Bangladesh; Grameen Danone; BOP; SDGs; sustainable development goals; social business; strategy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2024.135241

International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 2024 Vol.18 No.1/2, pp.187 - 205

Received: 29 Sep 2021
Accepted: 30 Mar 2022

Published online: 03 Dec 2023 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article