INTEGRATION OF SOCIAL WORK MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS THE FOUNDATION FOR SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL INNOVATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to provide a theoretical substantiation of the integration of social work management and social entrepreneurship as the basis for the development of sustainable social innovations within a territorial community. The study focuses on understanding social innovations not as a collection of isolated novelties, but as managed, resourcesupported, and socially effective solutions capable of responding to current community challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on the fact that, under conditions of increasing social risks, limited resources, the growing complexity of the needs of vulnerable groups, and rising pressure on local social support systems, communities require approaches that combine timely response, managerial coherence, ethical soundness, and long-term viability. The methodological framework of the study is based on an interdisciplinary approach integrating the principles of social work management, theories of social innovation, the community development approach, and the conceptual foundations of social entrepreneurship. The article employs theoretical analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalization, and conceptual modeling. This makes it possible to consider the community as an open social system in which social problems, resources, institutions, and partnership ties interact within a shared governance space. The scientific novelty lies in the conceptualization of social innovations in the community as a result of integrating social work management and social entrepreneurship. The proposed model distinguishes interrelated analytical, managerial, entrepreneurial, and result-oriented blocks. It is argued that such a structure makes it possible to move from fragmented initiatives to systemic innovative solutions that combine needs-based relevance, managerial controllability, resource viability, and evidence-based effects. It is proved that the integration of social work management and social entrepreneurship creates the necessary foundation for sustainable social innovations in the community. Social work management ensures process consistency, professional standards, coordination among actors, and quality assurance, while social entrepreneurship strengthens these processes through mechanisms of resource stability, organizational flexibility, and opportunities to expand innovative solutions without losing their social mission. The proposed model makes it possible to interpret social innovation as a holistic solution whose effectiveness should be assessed at two levels – results and impact. The practical significance of the article lies in the possibility of using its provisions as a theoretical and methodological basis for designing, implementing, and evaluating innovative approaches in social work at the level of the territorial community.