Strategy for Social Enterprises

A social enterprise is engaged in business activity to achieve its chosen social objective and directs the majority of its profits to that purpose. The activities emphasise responsibility, openness and transparency, as well as inclusion and democracy in the governance model.

The strategy’s premise is that the way social enterprises conduct business will be recognised, but no specific legal basis or special treatment will be provided for them. Instead, the operating conditions of social enterprises will be strengthened. The strategy proposes that a new centre of expertise, which will be national and network-based, be established. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is responsible for the management and oversight of the centre. The centre’s task is to create national advisory and guidance services specialising in social enterprises and introduce measures to raise awareness of the business model. Business skills and competence in effectiveness among social enterprises will be increased. Measures to help integrate social innovations will be strengthened. The effectiveness of public procurement and the use of social criteria and innovative practices will be advanced and the need for new funding models will be assessed. Statistics and data production will be systematised and research activities will be increased. The key objective of the strategy is to improve the employment of people with partial work ability and others who are in a weak labour market position.