Article
Orange Economy and Social Entrepreneurship: Opportunities and Challenges in India
The Orange Economy, also known as the creative economy, has emerged as an important driver of economic growth, innovation, employment generation, and cultural preservation in India. The present study examines the relationship between the Orange Economy and social entrepreneurship, focusing on opportunities, challenges, and future prospects in the Indian context. The study is based on secondary data collected from government reports, UNESCO publications, ICRIER studies, and research articles related to creative industries and entrepreneurship. The findings reveal that India’s creative economy contributes significantly to employment generation, with sectors such as handicrafts supporting nearly 7 million livelihoods and cultural tourism generating approximately 5 million jobs. The rapid growth of digital platforms and internet users, projected to reach 950 million by 2025, has accelerated digital entrepreneurship and creator-based businesses. However, challenges such as lack of finance, weak intellectual property protection, digital divide, and inadequate infrastructure continue to affect sustainable growth. The study concludes that stronger policy support and digital inclusion can significantly strengthen India’s Orange Economy.