Social Economy in Albania - A Survey on Social Enterprises
Publisher: Technical Assistance for Civil Society Organizations (TACSO)
Date: March 2013
Volume: 84 pages, pdf
Description
This research study has the advantage of coming out from an evident reality – the establishment and functioning, although at an embryonic stage, of social enterprises in Albania. Even in the absence of legal recognition, many Albanian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have set up real social enterprises, with all the features outlined in the recent European Documents. This research highlights how social enterprises are able to provide innovative answers to social needs, for they feel free from bureaucratic constraints and closer to the people. Social enterprises operate with particular attention to environmental protection, through the safeguarding and educating young people accordingly. Mostly, they are very active in the preservation, activating opportunities of recycling and systems for waste management. This contributes to a sustainable and responsible economic growth at local level. Another important dimension of this research lies in the ability of social enterprise to create job opportunities for disadvantaged people and in particular young people, giving them the opportunity to make use of their natural creativity and enthusiasm. Even though the present Albanian social enterprises are stronger on their social component, their real potential lead to think on a rapid growth and increasing autonomy.