engleski

Social entrepreneurship as (in)visible work and business

Over 5% of employees in the sector of social economy at EU-28 level, as well as the high exposure rate to the risk of poverty and social exclusion (over 20% in 2015), point towards the possibility and the importance of increasing corporate social responsibility. Unfavorable socioeconomic trends are particularly evident in Southeast Europe, of which Croatia is a part of, especially in the countries bordering the European Union. In these bordering countries every other citizen is exposed to the above stated risks. Without neglecting the necessity of economic growth, social entrepreneurship addresses these problems by investing profits in the community, which evens the distribution of wealth, by means of practicing equality in decision-making (one member one vote), increasing possibilities for the disadvantaged and taking greater care of the environment. Such organizations foster inclusion and employment, equitable distribution of goods and informing the public about its activities. Social entrepreneurship in Southeast Europe is still a very rare, but increasingly common kind of work and business – it is insufficiently institutionalized due to the lack of tradition and awareness about civic activism, as well as the lack of legislative and strategic support for these companies in terms of clear criteria and benefits, funding sources, education, training, consulting etc. Therefore, the European Union encourages networking in Southeast Europe by (co)funding projects that do not exclude social responsibility from market competitiveness. Benefits of such an approach could become apparent in Croatia, not only in the form of new jobs but also in increasing possibilities for further community development. In this regard, the aim of this study is to present experiences and perspectives on social entrepreneurship in Southeast Europe countries, based on the conducted comparative analysis of policy documents and published research. The results should lead towards a better understanding of present patterns, the role and the importance of the given phenomenon and form a starting ground for future research.

social enterprises ; work ; employment ; good practice examples ; Southeast Europe

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