The working group „Social Economy” deals with issues regarding activation of the socially excluded groups through social entrepreneurship, social cooperation or other social economy entities such as social integration clubs or centres, social activity houses, or occupational therapy workshops. Issues of economisation and development of nongovernmental sector as well as the role of NGOs in employing and activating the individuals from dysfunctional groups are of particular importance.

The social economy phenomenon is currently widely popularised by EU institutions and many other entities. It is because the social economy may be an alternative way to activate and employ members of social groups remaining outside the labour market as well as the individuals disfavoured in employment for manifold reasons. The group’s aim is to summarise the current state of knowledge regarding social economy in Poland, not least from the perspective of completion of social economy projects within EQUAL Community Initiative.

The group will deal with social economy both theoretically and practically. One part of the study will be dedicated to presentation of the European case history in the matter of social entrepreneurship, particular states’ experiences and examples of good practice. Social economy will be analysed in terms of an active, pluralist and multisectoral social policy. There will be a catalogue of social economy-related services created and the legal system as well as financing will be scrutinised. A separate task will consist of presentation of efficacy of social economy entities’ actions. The group „Social Economy” assembles on plenary sessions, and also within subgroups dealing with particular subjects. Attempts to link two separate scientific disciplines and two separate social practices – social policy and social economy – as well as outlining the directions for social economy in Poland future development, are highly innovative.

The workgroup of researchers will try to assess the developmental perspectives for social and public services for social economy and nongovernmental organisations, and diagnose the obstacles that may objectively impede the progress. The work group’s research will effect in publication of a scientific book presenting current state of knowledge on social economy and the nongovernmental sector.