Benchmarking the socio-economic performance of the EU social economy

EURICSE, CIRIEC, Spatial Foresight & others

European Union

2024

📊 Context and Publisher The report titled "Benchmarking the socio-economic performance of the EU social economy" was created in 2024, commissioned by the European Commission as a part of the 2021 Social Economy Action Plan. This comprehensive study was conducted by researchers from EURICSE, CIRIEC, and Spatial Foresight, focusing on the social economy across the European Union (EU). The goal was to provide valuable insights into the socio-economic contributions of the social economy and to improve data collection and representation at both national and EU levels. 🏢 Key Findings The findings indicate that the EU social economy comprises over 4.3 million entities, which employ at least 11.5 million individuals, making up 6.3% of total employment in the region. These entities generate a turnover exceeding €912 billion. The social economy encompasses various forms, including cooperatives, mutual societies, associations, foundations, and social enterprises. Notably, associations are the most prevalent, with approximately 3.8 million, followed by cooperatives, which number around 240,000. 📈 Employment Trends Social enterprises, estimated to number around 246,000, include approximately 43,000 that are legally recognized and 203,000 that exist in a de facto capacity. Employment is highest within associations, reaching 6.2 million jobs, while cooperatives account for 3.3 million jobs. The sectors that benefit the most from social economy employment include health and social care (3.3 million), education (702,000), and arts, culture, and entertainment (622,000). 🌍 Data Challenges Despite these impressive figures, the study highlights ongoing challenges related to data availability and comparability across EU member states. Only a few member states have comprehensive national statistics on the social economy, indicating a need for improved data collection practices. 🇪🇺 Recognition and Understanding The recognition and understanding of the social economy concept vary significantly across countries, with some Western European nations demonstrating stronger traditions in this area. This variance underscores the importance of fostering a clearer understanding of the social economy to enhance its visibility and impact across the EU. 📅 Conclusion Overall, this report provides the most extensive overview of the EU social economy to date, shedding light on its size, scope, and potential for further statistical development. The insights gained from this study will be essential for promoting sustainable housing and other social initiatives across Europe.

European Union