Publication date:
15 November 2020
Research areas:
Measurement and Impact
Publication categories:
Research Reports
Arguments:
International models and mapping
Organizational types:
Social enterprises
Tags:
social enterprises,
social economy,
European Commission,
social business initiative
Impact of the European Commission’s Social Business Initiative In 2011, the European Commission launched the Social Business Initiative (SBI), which established a set of concrete measures to create a favourable environment for the development of social enterprises. The study “Impact of the Social Business Initiative and its follow-up measures”, carried out by Spatial Foresight with Euricse and the European Center for Social Finance on behalf of the European Commission, analyses the impact of the SBI on the development of social enterprises and other social economy organizations and their operating environments at national and EU levels.
The study report also includes an analysis of current needs and a set of options for future policy initiatives. The research was supported by numerous national experts who carried out additional research and interviewed around 300 stakeholders amongst national, regional and local authorities, academic and experts, social entrepreneurs and representatives of stakeholders’ organizations in 28 EU Member States and 9 neighbouring countries.
The study serves as a solid foundation for the upcoming European Action Plan for the Social Economy, which will shape the future of this sector in Europe. The findings highlight that the Social Business Initiative (SBI) has successfully promoted the concept of social enterprises across EU Member States, increasing their visibility and importance in various policy areas, including regional development and environmental issues.
However, the study also points out that a lack of clear objectives and communication has hindered the SBI’s coherence with other European programs. It emphasizes the need for improved communication and clarity in future initiatives. Additionally, the growing complexity of the social enterprise ecosystem requires tailored solutions within any future EU policy framework. Recognizing the role of social economy organizations in addressing societal challenges is crucial, and future policies should strengthen links between the social economy and other policy areas.
