Digital technologies in the work of a social enterprise

Abstract

Introduction. The paper examines the peculiarities of the functioning of social enterprises in the conditions of new economic and social challenges in Ukraine. Under these conditions, social entrepreneurship is gaining more and more popularity. It is developing faster as an inevitable response to a difficult economic situation and an effective mechanism for overcoming them. The purpose of the paper is the justification of the need and further use of digital technologies in the activities of social enterprises: outlining the ways and providing recommendations for their use. Results. The essence of a social enterprise focused on achieving a social effect from its activity is studied. The components of a social enterprise are distinguished: social problem, social values, social goal, self-sufficiency, innovation, community involvement, social influence, and social effect. For a social entrepreneur, the primary criterion for success is "social influence". Modern challenges require social entrepreneurs to use the latest digital technologies to develop and maintain their businesses. The advantages of using digital technologies at the micro level are the automation of processes, increased labor productivity, professional and creative HR growth, the creation of innovative products, and reduced costs. Accordingly, at the macro level, these are the development of innovative entrepreneurship, cooperation with the international community of social entrepreneurs, participation in social entrepreneurship support programs, the opportunity to get a place with low competition, and the opportunity to find change-makers in the territory. A number of active programs to support the development of social entrepreneurship in Ukraine recommended by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine are analyzed. Conclusions. The business component of social enterprises ensures their self-sufficiency and allows solving existing social problems. The use of digital technologies in the work of a social enterprise allows: optimizing enterprise costs, increasing the efficiency of business processes, elaborating production planning, improving customer service and taking a leadership position in the selected segment.