Abstract
Cross-sector partnerships between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and charities are increasingly viewed as important mechanisms for addressing local social challenges, yet the relational conditions shaping their formation and effectiveness remain underexplored. This paper positions social capital as a central explanatory lens for understanding how such partnerships emerge, evolve and generate impact.
The study develops a multi-level conceptual framework distinguishing between individual, organisational and ecosystem social capital. It proposes that these relational resources influence motivations to collaborate, shape partnership governance and affect partnership durability and outcomes. Particular attention is given to place-based contexts, where local network structures and embedded leadership may play a significant role in enabling collaboration.
The paper outlines a mixed-methods research design combining a systematic literature review, qualitative focus groups with SME owners and charity leaders, and a regional survey of SMEs. The study contributes by integrating social capital theory with SME–CSR and cross-sector partnership research, offering a governance-oriented perspective on local collaboration and providing insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to strengthen place-based partnerships.