Ecosystem of Social Enterprises - A Comparative Review of the Practice of European Countries and the Republic of Serbia

Abstract

Due to the influence of numerous factors that make it difficult to find the innovative solutions to social and environmental problems that social enterprises deal with, there is a need for a joint action of social enterprises, both with each other and with other actors operating in their environment. In order to overcome the challenges more easily, which they face in their business, social enterprises and social entrepreneurs should take advantage of networking. Business networks can bring many benefits to their members, and networks in the social sector are of particular importance. Recently, networking has taken place within the broader framework of so-called ecosystems. With this in mind, the aim of this paper is to shed more light on the specifics of networking of social enterprises, i.e. their connection to ecosystems. The Social Entrepreneurship Network (SEN) has played a key role in the development of this sector in European countries. Also in the Republic of Serbia, networking of social enterprises with civil society organizations has significantly contributed to the creation of public policies and the promotion of social enterprises.