In search of meaning, many entrepreneurs and workers are turning to the social economy. But how do you define the sector? And how can Europe overcome the barriers it is facing?
Europe’s social economy is estimated to employ some 13.6 million people, which is equivalent to 6.3% of its working population. But these figures date from 2015. They are the latest available and no other study has published official statistics to date.
“Exact numbers of the social economy do not exist”, explains Giulia Galera from EURICSE, whose research focuses on social enterprises, their evolution and the impact they have in Europe.
“While in some countries it is a well-consolidated and recognised phenomenon”, collecting data in others is an “ambitious task”.
Galera explains that in many member states, the social economy is still at “an embryonic stage of development” and that the concept is not yet widespread.
“Sometimes, the social economy is not recognised at the policy level”, says Galera. “Not even by the organisations that belong to the social economy.”
So, how is the social economy defined? What characterises a social economy organisation? And what are the main challenges facing these entities in Europe today?
Watch the video above to find out more.
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