A Comparative Study of Social Sustainability and Startup Ecosystems in Italy and Silicon Valley

Social sustainability is increasingly recognized as a strategic pillar in entrepreneurial ecosystems, yet its integration varies significantly across geographical and cultural contexts. This study compares how startups in Italy and Silicon Valley embed socially sustainable practices within their innovation models, drawing on a qualitative framework supported by semi-structured interviews and Gioia methodology. The analysis highlights two contrasting paradigms: the Italian model, rooted in stakeholder inclusiveness and ethical governance, and the Silicon Valley approach, characterized by technological intensity and market-driven adaptability. While Italian startups exhibit a consistent alignment with social values, they often face structural barriers to scale and digitalize. In contrast, Silicon Valley ventures display agility and resource abundance but tend to treat social impact as ancillary. Interestingly, startups founded after 2020 in both regions show a converging trend toward hybrid models that integrate ESG principles with innovation from the outset. The findings offer actionable implications for scholars and practitioners, emphasizing the need for cross-pollination between socially grounded strategies and high-growth innovation models to shape a more inclusive Industry 5.0 landscape.