INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR UKRAINE

Abstract

Introduction. In many countries worldwide, social enterprises have become an important mechanism for overcoming unemployment, social exclusion, poverty, and environmental challenges. For Ukraine, the issue of social entrepreneurship development has become particularly relevant under martial law conditions, large-scale demographic changes, and increasing demand for social support for various categories of citizens.

Aim. The purpose of the article is to study international experience in the development of social entrepreneurship and identify prospects for its implementation in Ukraine.

Materials and methods. The following research methods were used in the study: analysis and synthesis – to generalize theoretical approaches to defining the essence of social entrepreneurship; comparative analysis – to investigate models of social entrepreneurship in foreign countries and determine possibilities for their adaptation to Ukrainian conditions; generalization – to formulate conclusions regarding the prospects for applying international practices in Ukraine. The use of the institutional approach made it possible to systematize the influence of regulatory, organizational, and financial methods of state regulation on the development of social entrepreneurship.

Results. The study of international experience in organizing social entrepreneurship made it possible to substantiate its importance for the successful implementation of state employment policy and social inclusion of vulnerable groups. The research demonstrated that European countries pay significant attention to developing regulatory frameworks and creating support mechanisms for social enterprises, including tax incentives, grant funding, preferential lending, and programs supporting social innovation. It was established that the most effective instruments for supporting social entrepreneurship include cooperation between public authorities and civil society organizations, access to financial resources, educational programs, and scaling social innovations. An important success factor is also the institutionalization of the status of social enterprises and the definition of criteria for their activities. The recommendations are aimed at overcoming barriers hindering the development of social entrepreneurship, including insufficient legal certainty, limited access to financial resources, and inadequate cross-sectoral cooperation.

Prospects. Relevant areas for further research include evaluating the effectiveness of state support models for social enterprises and assessing the impact of social entrepreneurship on local economic development.