A Research Agenda for Social Finance

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary. This insightful Research Agenda explores social finance and impact investing, surveying the latest research in this area. It considers a range of actors from across the social finance ecosystem, from investors and social banks, to the entrepreneurs who propose sustainable solutions and seek finance. Chapters discuss a variety of key topics, including impact investing practices by philanthropic and renewable energy sectors, the financing of social enterprises, social ventures and the effect of banking on the Sustainable Development Goals. The Research Agenda also examines market-figures to provide a holistic overview of the social finance and impact investing markets. Considering the perspectives of both investors and investees, this Research Agenda will be a useful guide for scholars and researchers in the areas of social finance, social entrepreneurship, impact investing and sustainability. Its evaluation of the challenges and successes of multiple social finance sectors will also be beneficial for practitioners in these fields.