Уводна секција (тематски формат)

  • Introduction

    An image representing Social Economy environment

    To understand the basics of social economy and social entrepreneurship, we must define the definition of it and how it is different from mainstream businesses. A social enterprise's main purpose is to promote, encourage, and make social change happen. In contrast to mainstream businesses, social enterprises do not aim to make a profit. The EU is trying to develop a policy framework that brings together all forms of social enterprises, helps measure them, enhances social investment, and supports start-ups. In 2021, the European Commission adopted a new action plan on the social economy. With the action plan, the Commission put forward concrete measures to help mobilize the full potential of the social economy. 

    These enterprises can be categorized by size, how they are financed, and in what field they operate. There are many organizations that are relevant in SE development in Europe, like OECD, Euclid Network, Ashoka, Impact Europe, and SEWF. Moreover, we can talk about different groups that somehow support the SEs ecosystems: the customers, policy makers, governments, funders, or peer organizations like universities. 

    Social innovation is one of the most relevant topics. It can be defined as the development and implementation of new ideas (products, services, and models). Assessing social innovation and measuring its impact is important to find out which policies, methods, and approaches work best.

  • What is a Social Enterprise and how is this different from mainstream business?

    Social Enterprises have various definitions all over the world and they are rooted in national and regional history. So, in this unit participants have the opportunity to build a framework that helps them to distinguish Social Enterprises from mainstream businesses and also from civil society organizations. However, the focus is not only to distinguish them from each other but to see the similarities and opportunities for synergies. 

    As most importantly Social Enterprises provide an opportunity for cross sector innovation. They have great potentials as a tool for entrepreneurs, business people and innovators as well as for policy makers to collaborate and create positive change.