The Role of Value Co-Creation in Social Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: this paper proposes a theoretical framework based on a systematic literature review of applications of value co-creation in social entrepreneurship. Methods: following the PRISMA Protocol, 62 papers published between January 1, 2015, and January 5, 2026, were retrieved from Scopus- and Web of Science-indexed journals addressing both topics. Keyword co-occurrence through VOSViewer (v.1.6.20) mapped thematic clusters to minimize author bias, while providing pathways for abductive content analysis. Results: the findings suggest that value co-creation begins through collaborative sources and evolves to entrepreneurs’ actions and possessions that promote value co-creation mechanisms, resulting in value-in-social-context and organizational viability, creating a feedback cycle. Social entrepreneurs, beneficiaries, and stakeholders can co-create benefits such as communitarian development, SDGs, regional sustainability, social well-being, resourceness, responsiveness, context reshaping, organizational growth, and social and economic performance. Conclusions: the framework guides further research, operationalizes co-creation for social missions in challenging institutional contexts.