Journal of Social Entrepreneurship and Creative Technology

AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) IN RETAIL: AN ANALYSIS OF AR-DRIVEN APPLICATIONS ON CONSUMER PURCHASE INTENTION AND USER EXPERIENCE

Sun Wei, Jung Yuna, Lim Haeun — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The rapid growth of augmented reality (AR) technology has significantly transformed the retail landscape by providing innovative ways to enhance consumer experiences and influence purchasing decisions. As retail businesses increasingly incorporate AR applications, understanding their impact on consumer purchase intention and user experience is crucial. This study aims to analyze the role of AR-driven applications in retail and assess their influence on consumer behavior. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining a survey and semi-structured interviews to gather data from 300 retail consumers who have interacted with AR applications in both in-store and online settings. Quantitative data were analyzed using regression analysis to determine the relationship between AR features and purchase intention, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed to explore the user experience. The results indicate that AR applications with high interactivity and realism significantly increase consumer purchase intention and enhance user satisfaction. Moreover, user satisfaction was found to mediate the relationship between AR interactivity and purchase intention. This study highlights the transformative potential of AR in retail, providing actionable insights for retailers to optimize their AR offerings. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on AR in retail and offer valuable guidance for integrating AR technology into retail strategies.

SCALING SOCIAL VALUE THROUGH CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIES: STRATEGIC CHALLENGES IN DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Sofia Lim, Jaden Tan, James Scott, Ma'rifani Fitri Arisa — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The rapid expansion of creative technologies has transformed digital entrepreneurship into a critical driver of social innovation and inclusive growth. Platform ecosystems, artificial intelligence, and data-driven infrastructures enable ventures to scale rapidly, yet strategic tensions emerge between technological acceleration and sustained social mission integrity. This study aims to develop and empirically validate a strategic framework explaining how digital entrepreneurs scale social value while navigating governance, stakeholder, and measurement challenges. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was employed, combining survey data from 214 digital social ventures with in-depth case studies of selected firms operating in technology-intensive sectors. Multiple regression and structural equation modeling were used to test relationships among technological capability, strategic agility, stakeholder integration, impact measurement sophistication, and scaling performance. Findings indicate that technological capability significantly predicts scaling performance (? = 0.41, p < 0.001), with strategic agility acting as a mediating variable. Hybrid ventures balancing innovation with governance and ecosystem collaboration achieved superior scaling outcomes. The study concludes that sustainable scaling of social value requires multidimensional capability alignment rather than technology-driven expansion alone. Integrative strategic management of creative technologies is essential for maintaining legitimacy, adaptability, and measurable social impact in digital entrepreneurship.

CREATIVE BUSINESS INNOVATION ANALYZING THE GIG ECONOMY’S IMPACT ON THE LIVELIHOODS OF CREATIVE-PRENEURS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Pong Krit, Marcus Tan, Rachel Chan — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the impact of the gig economy on the livelihoods of creative-preneurs in Southeast Asia, with a focus on income stability, creative autonomy, and business sustainability. The research aims to analyze both the opportunities and structural challenges faced by creative-preneurs operating through digital platforms. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a quantitative survey of 100 creative-preneurs across multiple Southeast Asian countries with in-depth semi-structured interviews involving 20 selected participants. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical correlation and regression techniques, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The findings reveal that while 72% of respondents experience significant income fluctuations and 65% report decreased job security, a majority benefit from increased creative autonomy and business growth. A significant positive relationship was found between creative autonomy and business expansion, whereas income instability negatively affected job satisfaction and career sustainability. The novelty of this research lies in its sector-specific and regional focus, addressing a gap in existing gig economy studies that largely overlook creative industries in Southeast Asia. The implications of this study extend beyond socio-economic analysis, contributing conceptually to physics-related modeling of complex systems and uncertainty, as well as to physics education by offering real-world contextual applications for data analysis, system dynamics, and interdisciplinary problem-solving within STEM-based learning frameworks.

GAMIFYING SOCIAL INNOVATION: ENTREPRENEURIAL DESIGN THINKING FOR SUSTAINABLE SOCIETIES

Sofia Lim, Sakura Suzuki, Emma Brown, Dodi Setiawan Riatmaja — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The increasing complexity of social and environmental challenges has exposed the limitations of conventional, top-down innovation models in achieving sustainable societal change. Social innovation therefore requires participatory, adaptive, and engaging approaches capable of mobilizing collective creativity and long-term commitment. This study aims to examine how gamification can be strategically integrated into entrepreneurial design thinking to strengthen social innovation processes for sustainable societies. A qualitative and exploratory research design was employed, drawing on secondary data from peer-reviewed literature, policy reports, and documented social innovation initiatives that apply design thinking and gamified mechanisms. Data were analyzed through thematic interpretation to identify patterns of engagement, collaboration, and learning. The results indicate that gamification functions as a structural enabler rather than a superficial motivational tool, enhancing stakeholder engagement, sustaining participation, and supporting collaborative problem-solving throughout iterative design thinking stages. Gamified design thinking was found to foster experiential learning, shared ownership, and adaptability, which are critical for addressing complex sustainability challenges. The study concludes that effective social innovation depends not only on innovative solutions but also on well-designed participatory processes. Integrating gamification within entrepreneurial design thinking offers a promising framework for aligning innovation practices with sustainability goals across diverse social contexts and long-term societal impact.

FOSTERING ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSETS: AN IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF A COMMUNITY-BASED ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM FOR AT-RISK YOUTH

Thabo Mokoena, Josefa Flores, Andres Villanueva — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

At-risk youth frequently encounter significant socio-economic obstacles, leading to high vulnerability to unemployment and social exclusion. Community-based entrepreneurship training programs are increasingly employed as vital interventions to foster self-sufficiency and build economic resilience. However, empirical evidence specifically quantifying their direct impact on the entrepreneurial mindset of this marginalized demographic remains limited. This research aims to assess the impact of a community-based entrepreneurship training program on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset—specifically entrepreneurial knowledge, self-confidence, and business intention—among at-risk youth. The study also explores the influential role of support factors like mentorship. A mixed-methods design was implemented. The quantitative phase utilized pre- and post-program surveys (N=100) to measure changes in key indicators. The qualitative phase included semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to gain deeper insights into participant experiences and mindset shifts. Data was analyzed using paired t-tests and thematic analysis. Quantitative analysis showed a statistically significant increase across all measured indicators post-program. Entrepreneurial knowledge and confidence in starting a business saw dramatic increases, from 28% to 85% and 32% to 80% respectively. Furthermore, the intention to pursue entrepreneurship rose from 40% to 75%. Qualitative results underscored the crucial role of mentorship and peer networking in translating knowledge into actionable plans. The findings confirm that tailored community-based entrepreneurship training is highly effective and transformative, not only equipping at-risk youth with technical skills but also significantly empowering them psychologically to pursue entrepreneurship as a viable path for socio-economic mobility. This model warrants continued adoption and scalable implementation.

CREATIVE BUSINESS MODELS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY, COMMUNITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY

Arteurt Yoseph Merung, Ethan Tan, Li Wei, Johannes Muller — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The growing complexity of social and environmental challenges has exposed the limitations of conventional business models that prioritize economic value over societal well-being. In response, creative business models have emerged as alternative approaches that integrate technology, community engagement, and sustainability to generate social change. This study aims to examine how such creative business models are structured and how the integration of technological enablement, community participation, and sustainability principles contributes to long-term social impact. The research employs a qualitative and exploratory design based on secondary data analysis of peer-reviewed literature, policy reports, and documented case studies of social enterprises and community-based ventures. Thematic and cross-case analysis was conducted to identify recurring patterns of value creation, governance, and innovation processes. The findings reveal that social change-oriented business models are most effective when technology functions as an enabling infrastructure, communities act as co-creators rather than beneficiaries, and sustainability is embedded as a core value logic. Integrated models demonstrate greater resilience, legitimacy, and adaptability compared to fragmented approaches. The study concludes that creative business models represent a viable pathway for aligning economic activity with social and environmental objectives. Strengthening integration among technology, community, and sustainability is essential for advancing inclusive and sustainable societal transformation.

NAVIGATING THE “VALLEY OF DEATH” AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON RESILIENCE AND PIVOTING STRATEGIES IN EARLY-STAGE SOCIAL START-UPS

Jeroen de Vries, Jennifer Taylor, Robert Harris — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Early-stage social start-ups often face significant challenges as they navigate the “Valley of Death,” a critical phase where financial instability, market uncertainties, and operational difficulties frequently lead to failure. Resilience and pivoting are crucial strategies that can enable these ventures to survive and thrive during this challenging period. This study explores the resilience and pivoting strategies employed by social start-ups in their early stages, focusing on how these strategies contribute to overcoming obstacles and ensuring long-term sustainability. The primary aim is to empirically assess the relationship between resilience, pivoting, and the survival of early-stage social start-ups. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative interviews with 20 social entrepreneurs and quantitative surveys to gather data on pivoting decisions, resilience-building practices, and their impact on business success. The findings indicate that 62% of the start-ups pivoted their business models, with a significant correlation between pivoting strategies and increased revenue and sustainability. Resilient start-ups that diversified their funding sources and strengthened community networks demonstrated a higher likelihood of surviving the “Valley of Death.” The study concludes that resilience and pivoting are essential strategies for early-stage social start-ups to overcome financial and operational challenges. Social entrepreneurs must adopt flexible, adaptive approaches to ensure the sustainability of their ventures. This research contributes to the literature on social entrepreneurship by providing a deeper understanding of resilience and pivoting in the context of social start-ups.