Suárez del Villar, Alexis
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Suárez del Villar, Alexis
Main Affiliation
Quito
Email
alexissuarezdelvillar@uti.edu.ec
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Scopus Author ID
57204174430

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Integrating Virtual Educational Environments and Social Networks in Learning Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation: A Personal Experience

2026 , Álvarez Sánchez, Ana , Suárez del Villar, Alexis

In a global context where social challenges are intensifying, technological innovation in social entrepreneurship is an essential tool to catalyze positive change. This study set out to assess how the integration of advanced technologies can enhance the impact and sustainability of social projects. In this research meticulously designed to ensure replicability, we adopted a qualitative approach, delving into personal experiences and their interaction with consolidated theories of social entrepreneurship and innovation. We used content analysis and case studies, along with workshops and semi-structured interviews to explore the applicability of these theories in practice. The sample included 150 social entrepreneurs and 50 academics, selected to reflect recent and relevant experiences. The main methods of assessment covered the effectiveness of the theories in solving concrete problems and their ability to foster collaboration and sustainability of the projects. The main assessment criterion was the applicability of these theories in real contexts, mainly evaluating how they influence the effectiveness, collaboration and sustainability of the projects. The results indicate that the integration of technologies improves the perception of social impact by 40% and the sustainability of projects by 50%, with a 30% increase in community collaboration and a 45% increase in the efficiency of interventions. The research confirms that technological innovation not only strengthens the social and economic impact of ventures, but also promotes deeper and more effective collaboration among stakeholders. This underscores the need to integrate modern technological solutions to effectively address social challenges, suggesting a more integrated and community-supported approach to future social entrepreneurship research and practice. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.

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Exploring Challenges and Strategies for Measuring the Social Impact of Entrepreneurship in Ecuador

2025 , Álvarez Sánchez, Ana , Suárez del Villar, Alexis

Research conducted in Ecuador reveals that while 27% of entrepreneurs surveyed identified lack of liquidity as their main challenge, another 23% highlighted low sales as a significant obstacle, and 19% pointed to insecurity. These challenges vary markedly between regions such as Pichincha, Guayas, Manabí and Azuay, which complicates the standardization of methods for measuring the social impact of ventures. Through qualitative interviews and quantitative analysis of INEC data, it was observed that less than 40% of entrepreneurs in Pichincha are trained in impact assessment techniques, which contrasts with the need for training and tools adapted to local contexts. This lack of preparation underlines the urgency of developing customized methodologies that allow entrepreneurs and policy makers to better understand and support the sustainable growth of entrepreneurship in each province. The need for adaptation and customization of measurement tools is evident, particularly in provinces where economic and cultural characteristics vary significantly, e.g. in Azuay, where the artisanal sector is preponderant, it would be beneficial to implement measurement systems that consider cultural and community impacts in addition to economic ones, and collaboration between academia, government and non-governmental organizations can provide vital support in the creation of these methodologies, ensuring that they are robust and relevant. By fostering a stronger environment for social impact measurement, supportive policies could be improved, thus contributing to more equitable economic and social development in Ecuador. This study suggests a clear path towards creating a more effective framework for assessing and maximizing the social impact of ventures, opening up opportunities for future research that delves deeper into the interaction between public policies and entrepreneurial practices in different regional settings.

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