Social enterprises are emerging as a newarea of public policy: several countries seek to stimulateprivate sector contribution to development outcomes, andsocial enterprises could be important players in thatagenda. However, those seeking a middle ground betweenfor-profit and non-profit sectors to enable socialenterprise have found legal frameworks to be lacking. Thishas triggered a range of legal developments over the pastten years, with a number of countries seeking to implementappropriate legal frameworks that can support and stimulatethe development of social enterprise. These legal frameworkscan both define social enterprise as well as to structureit, through the creation of new legal forms and regulations.The objective of this study is to analyze variousdefinitions and forms under which social enterprises operatein five countries and the implications for public policies.The study is based on literature review and a small numberof interviews clustered around Italy, Malaysia, South Korea,the United Kingdom, and United States, where socialenterprise has attracted government`s interest. The studyanalyzes how the government operationalized its engagementswith social enterprises. It takes a historical perspectiveto understand the legal forms available to, and adopted by,social enterprises, and the advantages and disadvantages ofvarious approaches.
PDF
download
878987797
028-85220240
