Social Enterprises and Their Ecosystems in Europe

Know about the book -

Social Enterprises and Their Ecosystems in Europe is written by Marthe Nyssens and published by . It's available with International Standard Book Number or ISBN identification 9276102132 (ISBN 10) and 9789276102137 (ISBN 13).

Belgium's social enterprise sector is influenced by seven main traditional and emerging roots and drivers. Associations, cooperatives and mutuals are three traditions that are often collectively highlighted as the social economy's broad backbone. The (new) social economy is described as an emerging factor within the context of more established social economy. Three key structures meanwhile support the sector: funding through public authority policies; donations and social investment from philanthropic actors; and input from a more business-oriented approach. The nature and role of these roots and drivers are presented in a relatively chronological order of salience. Each root and driver is described within its historical framework and current situation. Associations, stimulated in the 19th century and formally recognised in the 20th, are considered a pillar of Belgian society. Their importance is outlined in relation to the Belgian Vereniging zonder winstoogmerk/Association sans but lucratif (VZW/ASBL) model's highly flexible scope of activities and income sources, the welfare state's development and organisations recently becoming more entrepreneurial. Cooperatives were legally recognised in the 19th century but not given prescribed rules and practices until a 2019 law reform. Mutuals similarly emerged in the 19th century but were specifically institutionalised within Belgium's healthcare system between WWI and WWII. Although commonly seen as parastatal organisations, they are also considered private, entrepreneurial solutions to pressing societal needs. The (new) social economy dates back to the 1980s and is predominantly upheld by associations and cooperatives. Public policies promoting social enterprise have also been instrumental. Public authorities at federal and regional levels have become particularly interested in social enterprise as a tool to fulfil their goals. Foundations and other philanthropic actors have played a critical role in providing other recent financial support. And, lastly, a more market-oriented trend has developed in Belgium, which translates into notions of social entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurs rather than social enterprise.