Social entrepreneurship in Slovenia: An opportunity for sustainable development?

Abstract

Social economy in Slovenia was been regulated and supported on the state level for two decades after independence. It could be explained as a consequence of breakdown of a socialist tradition, when the main notion was that the state could solve any problem. In the time of transition from the socialistoriented to the market-oriented economy, social economy was not taken into consideration. Nevertheless, there were some particular initiatives, especially in the field of social protection of the vulnerable groups (employment of persons with physical disabilities or mental health problems) and in the field of ecology (farming) which were regulated by particular laws. The initiators of social entrepreneurship were faced with various obstacles yet on the other hand there was a space to develop various ideas and to respond to the needs in the society/community. These initiatives will be presented with the focus on identifying possible topics which need to be taken into consideration in the process of implementation of the law on social entrepreneurship in order to put more emphasis on sustainable development.