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This article examines the interrelationship between legitimacy building efforts – the different ways in which social enterprises (SEs) conform to stakeholder expectations – and types of innovation – the different approaches by which they create social and economic value through product, process and business model innovation. Using a multi-case study research design of twenty SEs in Scotland and Romania, we find that the SEs adjusted their approach to legitimacy building depending upon the types of innovation and stakeholder involved. Also, while all SEs pursued pragmatic and moral legitimacy through conforming with their stakeholders' expectations, the type of innovation shaped the way in which they prioritised one form of legitimacy over another to deal with the tensions involved in pursuing legitimacy with heterogeneous stakeholders. This finding emphasises the importance of innovation type when explaining how SEs balance the tensions involved in trying to conform to a wide range of heterogeneous stakeholders with different expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defined as the key engine of economic and social development in Europe, a combination of welfare and solidarity, the social economy reduces the risk of dependence on social services, improves living conditions and offers new perspectives to individuals. Through an in-depth analysis of articles related to this field, published in scientific journals in the last 5 years, we want to analyze the opportunities and risks of professional integration of the most socially disadvantaged groups in Romania, such as people with disabilities, people who they left school and the Roma ethnic group early, etc. Following the content analysis of the articles, we were able to identify a number of opportunities, such as: increasing the standard of living and reducing the risk of dependence on social benefits, economic security and job stability or reducing social stigma. At the same time, we highlighted a number of risks, such as the difficulties of obtaining financing and the management of their social enterprises so that they become economically efficient. This paper contributes to the broadening of knowledge about this economic model promoted in the EU and has the role of opening new possible directions of research. Secondly, the paper highlights a number of practical implications for the inclusion of vulnerable people in the labor market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there is a new European Union commitment to the potential of the social economy which is a pioneer in job creation linked to the circular economy that will be further leveraged by the mutual benefits of supporting the green transition and strengthening social inclusion. Considering this general context, we propose in this paper an exploratory research aiming to investigate the potential of the Romanian social economy sector as part of a circular economy approach that could advance the green transition in the following years. Our paper is based on the findings of preliminary systematic content analysis for the identification of the social enterprises in Romania which include circular economy and/or green economy in their business model, and on qualitative research based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with the social economy organizations' managers. We have highlighted five good practice examples (Recicleta, Atelierul de Pânză, Educlick/Reconect, Remesh, and Bio&co Farm), which clearly show that combining the principles of social economy with the ones of circular/green economy is a strategy that might lead to overcoming the current challenges of the society. Our investigations represent the first approach to this topic, aiming to understand the specific challenges of the circular or green economy and social economy models when joining forces together for sustainable development in the context of an emerging social economy, as is the case of Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social enterprises have been proved to be important actors in the regional development through market approaches to societal problems. The development of the social entrepreneurship sector in Romania was supported in a great measure by the European Social Fund (ESF), which granted funds within the "Development of social economy" calls for proposals in the period 2007-2014. These actions were taken before legislation regarding social entrepreneurship or social economy would come into force. The research presented in this paper is based on data provided by the Romanian authorities managing grants for the development of social enterprises and the Romanian Ministry of Public Finances. Data were further analysed, classified and transposed in visual maps. The correlations made with the GDP/development regions showed a lack of perspective regarding the distribution of funds depending on the development needs. The paper wishes to emphasize the importance of strategic planning in the European funds distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims to make known the factors influencing the decision to conduct business with social impact, given that the concept of social entrepreneurship is quite a new one in Romania. The investigative method used was quantitative research, by applying questionnaires to 300 students at both bachelor and master level at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Craiova. The results indicate two categories of factors that influence the intention of social entrepreneurship in the investigated area, namely: those with negative influence (lack of necessary funds, fear of failure, lack of experience and involvement in social projects and activities) and those with positive influence (knowledge of the concept of social entrepreneurship and social problems in the studied region that can be solved through entrepreneurial initiatives). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Industria Textila is the property of Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Textile si Pielarie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The social economy has developed out of the need to find new, innovative solutions to social, economic or environmental problems of communities and also to meet the needs of the community members which are insufficiently covered by the public or private sector. Over the years, the social economy has strengthened its position as an alternative form of economic development based on a set of socioeconomic values and principles that differ from both the market economy and from the universal welfare state: volunteering, democracy, non-profit purpose, professional development of the members and autonomy from the state. ES offers a model of business development based on the principles of equity, social responsibility and transparency, which encourages democratic participation in decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The social economy is a relatively new field in Romania. Not only is it little known in public opinion and academic debates, but the number of Romanian social enterprises is very small (only 80 social enterprises). An easy explanation would call into question the relatively new nature of the relevant legislation. In 2015, the Law on Social Economy was adopted (219/2015) and a year later the application norms are published. We start from the premise that not only the novelty of the legislation explains the small number of social enterprises, but also the existence of social and administrative barriers faced by those who want to start social affairs. This article presents the results of a sociological survey based on a questionnaire, administered to a number of 68 social entrepreneurs, in order to identify the opportunities and difficulties encountered by them in the effort to assert the social economy in Romania. The finality of the research approach consists in formulating scientifically justified recommendations for the improvement of their situation and, implicitly, for the development of the social economy in Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Quality of Life (1018-0389) / Calitatea Vietii is the property of Romanian Academy Publishing House / Editura Academiei Romane and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Unlike the market economy, social economy purpose is not for profit, but to help improve living conditions and offering new opportunities for disadvantaged or vulnerable persons being part of. Social Economy is considering a model of social enterprise, organized in various forms (cooperatives, mutual societies, associations, foundations) whose mission is to provide a series of measures,, accompaniment to the employability of vulnerable people 'to ensure these measures accompaniment, businesses need to collaborate with public social services at the county level and local and county employment agencies labor. Law no. 219/2015 on social economy provides for the establishment of new types of legal entities, specifically social enterprises and social enterprise insertion to ensure participation in economic and social life of the employees from vulnerable groups such as women, Roma people or children institutionalized. Regulating social economy will help develop local communities to create jobs and involve the vulnerable groups in social or economic activities [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent efforts of the European Union to integrate new member states such as Romania expand to the social economy sector as well. Works by Hoogendoorn et al. (2010) and Kerlin (2010) regard Europe as accommodating two schools of thought related to social entrepreneurship: EMES and the UK - social enterprise. Both views place great emphasis on social enterprise as the main indicator of the social entrepreneurial phenomena for the European continent. Using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, we attempt to answer the following question: Which forms of Romanian social economy organisations correspond theoretically and empirically to the EMES social enterprise criteria? The findings show that there are two types of organisations in Romania (sheltered workshops and enterprises set up by associations and foundation) that fulfil the EMES criteria to the largest extent. They are generally between 5 and 10 years old and are active in agriculture, trade and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Social Economy is the property of Alternative Sociale Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The "Europe 2020 for an intelligent, echological, favourable-to-the-inclusion increase" strategy represents the joint direction of the member states towards active measures for the promotion of professional insertion, for creating and keeping work places and reducing the unemployment. In this context, the social economy represents one of the most spread solutions for the labour market challenges, offering an alternative model of the social inclusion of vulnerable groups and an alternative model of business based on the principles of equity and social responsibility in the decision-making process. The current paper focuses on presenting the concept of social economy in our country in the context of the existing legislation, the general framework of organization and functioning of the organisms which perform social economic activities, the mechanism of support and encouragement, as well as the financing sources that these organisms benefit from. A separate chapter will focus on the situation which exists in the Suceava County as regards the development of social services and the inclusion on the labour market, with their respective forms of social economy. The paper ends with some conclusions and recommendations for the supporting the development of social enterprises in Romania, having as starting point the difficulties met by these ones and also focusing on the results obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper sets out as an explanatory approach, supported with theories and statistical data, for the development of the social economy sector in Romania. Following a brief review of the literature, which informs the theoretical basis of this paper, We presented a series of economic and social data, expressing the needs of several social groups, potential actors in the social enterprise arena. The study has dealt with the issue of social economy by analysing two daily papers and a professional journal, as well as by interviewing 14 experts who work in the social field, in state institutions and NGOs. After analysing the articles published in the two papers and the journal, it can be stated that there is, in the context presented, a certain interest in the issue of social economy. The articles on this subject referred to different approaches in the field of social economy, the main idea being, particularly in the journal, that social economy represents a potential for creating jobs and for the social integration of the disadvantaged. As far as the results obtained after analysing the interviews are concerned, social economy is seen by experts as an opportunity to integrate disadvantaged groups into the labour market, to reduce social marginalization and to improve local communities' quality of life. The conclusions of the paper point to the need, but also to the possibility of developing social economy in Romania, the need to stimulate and sustain it, especially in regards to social entrepreneurship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Social Technologies / Socialines Technologijos is the property of Mykolas Romeris University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The debates on the differences between social enterprises and commercial enterprises are related to task performance and the way that social mission is accomplished by involved parties. However, commercial entrepreneurs must pursue both economic and social issues, but primary mission will be to acquire financial independence by investing and creating value for stakeholders. Corporate Social Responsibility has an undeniable effect on both society and businesses, but this practice depends on the companies availability to get involved which is at the discretion of the managers and shareholders. This study is based on a quantitative research, aimed to evaluate specific aspects of CSR policies developed by 79 firms from N-W part of Romania. Corporate social responsibility and social entrepreneurship have distinct conceptual approach, but both have an indubitable effect by valorizing social opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the philosophy, history, and mission of Pentru Voi Fundatia as a sustainable "best practice" model of interdisciplinary community development (lCD). it is based on positive social, economic, organizational, and/or physical changes that improve the general welfare of the community while providing services to a specific vulnerable population. The Pentru Voi Bakery, one of many programs operated for persons with intellectual disabilities by the Foundation, is used to showcase the key elements of successful LCD. These elements are partnerships, integration, innovation, and transferability. While all community development projects are inherently different, other NGOs interested in creating sustainable programs that utilize the collective agency of local, regional, and international partners can learn from this example. Community Development literature and social entrepreneurship literature are reviewed and discussed as they relate to the Pentru Voi model. Pentru Voi is framed as a practice model based upon the qualities of best practice outlined by the International Labor Office. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]