Social Enterprises: Secure a Sustainable Future in Europe and Greece

Social economy has rapidly increased the last years as a result of the quest of a different growth model which promotes sustainability, solidarity and social innovation. Indeed, social entrepreneurship has become the transformation driver for products and services development addressing social needs, when at the same time, social enterprises pursue profit and promote employment and growth. Undoubtedly, social enterprises are key element in the European Union significantly contributing to the economy and society. The economic crisis revealed the structural problems of the Greek economy, and as a consequence, social problems such as poverty and unemployment came to the surface. Under these circumstances, social entrepreneurship flourished and social enterprises have been created in rural and urban areas trying to introduce a different form of growth based on social needs. This handbook aims to introduce readers to the world of social economy and entrepreneurship as the authors believe that the expansion of social enterprises is an investment to a better future.