STRATEGIC STUDY ON SOCIAL ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SOUTH EAST EUROPE 2020 STRATEGY (original) (raw)

We are convinced that social economy can and must play significant role in sustainable development of South East Europe, as well as its economies. Social economy initiatives pursue goals beyond financial profit using that profit to produce goods and services for their members and/or for the wellbeing of a community. They are rooted in the South East Europe, traditionally appearing as solidarity associations, cooperatives, mutuals, etc. However, societies and states of SEE, for decades now faced with existential challenges, have not been able to unlock its potential, which would make them more active subject in overcoming poverty, social exclusion. With more supportive environment, social economy can in fact increase employment and raise quality of community based services, generate social innovation in different sectors, and enhance social capital. The Strategic Study on Social Economy Development in the Context of the South East Europe 2020 Strategy is the first document of its kind in the Region. It offers a general overview of the sector, its environment, while at the same time identifying opportunities for its development. The Study is designed in a way to give its readers overall regional outlook on this topic, as well as specific national insights with all local particularities. The list of presented examples of good practice is not exhaustive, but still illustrative. They should serve both as inspiration and lessons to be learned for all future social economy initiatives. All further stakeholders, such as representatives of institutions, financial sector, and citizens can make use of these stories to recognise their own role and interest in supporting and/or activating in social economy, thus jointly contributing to development of their own communities., As the Study underlines, values such as solidarity, cooperation and trust have always been the fundamental principles of social economy. Revitalizing those values in our societies will give great impulse to social economy and what is more important - with the development of social economy, social capital can only increase.