Advancing and strengthening Social Enterprises to maximize their impact in the economic and social sector of Central European countries
“Continue to be the motor that lifts and develops the weakest part of your local community and of civil society, especially by establishing companies to provide jobs; be leaders in creating new welfare solutions, as you are already doing…Participate actively in globalization in order to integrate – in the world – development, justice and peace.”- said Pope Francis in 2015 when addressing the Confederation of Italian Cooperatives. _x000D_
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Why is the issue of social economy and social enterprises (SEs) so high on the agenda in Europe today, that not only EU leaders but even the Pope encourages their growth and development? Because these undertakings (every 4th in the EU) have the ability to foster inclusive growth, address societal needs and build cohesion by bringing forward new approaches to major societal challenges confronting Europe: an ageing population, growing inequality, climate change and unemployment._x000D_
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Social economy is crucial for the convergence of disadvantaged regions of Central Europe, where market forces fail to revive the economy. SEs are key actors in social inclusion and work integration in these regions, but they face many common barriers at their birth, operation and growth. The shortage of skilled labour force and negative effects of demographic change (brain drain, shrinking population), the lack of managerial and professional skills and poor cooperation amongst enterprises are the main hindering factors, while support mechanisms tailored to the local needs and specificities of social businesses are also missing. SENTINEL partners from 6 countries now initiate joint actions to develop and validate novel, widely applicable solutions for skill development, SE mentoring and networking facilitation, enabling SEs to better fulfil their major role in social innovation and inclusive growth. As a result, SEs will be enabled to turn innovative social ideas into viable and sustainable business models, making CE’s regions better places to live and work._x000D_
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Information added on 2020-05-18, regarding the mitigation of the effects of COVID-19 (the coronavirus pandemic that started in 2019) (English language only): Social enterprises are drivers of social inclusion and work integration and because of this, regions will need them more than ever to cope with the social consequences of the covid crisis. But this situation is putting their own existence at stake. As core topic of the final conference SENTINEL addressed how their developed Handbook and Toolbox can be opportunities or inspire social enterprises to find their ways through the crisis.