Annotation: The article is devoted to topical issues of determining the role of social responsibility in business. The article considers the main signs of social responsibility, its importance in modern business space and the impact on the economic development of the state. The term «social responsibility» has been explored, which means the responsibility of those who make business decisions for those who are directly or indirectly influenced by these decisions. Social responsibility is a concept that attracts companies to take into account the interests of society, taking responsibility for the impact of the company's activities on consumers, employees, citizens and the environment in all aspects of its activities. The essence and features of social responsibility are determined, its importance for the enterprise is substantiated. Internal and external social responsibility are considered, its comparison with legal responsibility is made. Arguments in favor and against social responsibility are given. The key points in the field of social responsibility regulation are the creation of the international standard ISO 26000, as well as the adoption by the Cabinet of Ministers of the concept of state policy implementation, which promotes the development of socially responsible business in the country.