Focus on the Balkans: Social Enterprise in Albania

Citation

Hackett MT & Roy MJ (2020) Focus on the Balkans: Social Enterprise in Albania. In: Social Entrepreneurship and Enterprises in Economic and Social Development, pp. 163-184. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197518298.003.0009

Abstract
This book shows how social entrepreneurship and social enterprises can integrate social and economic development. These dual-mission ventures that strive to achieve both financial sustainability and social good are especially path-breaking approaches in reducing economic, education, health, technology, and other disparities among marginalized individuals, families, and communities. While this global movement varies in pace and scope, this work features snapshots from eight countries or regions. This volume focuses especially on emerging economies and those in transition, featuring African countries of Kenya and Tanzania, Albania, Argentina, Central Asian countries of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Cuba, India, the Russian Federation, and Taiwan. We examine a variety of ventures and their social policy context as they attempt to meet human needs while simultaneously also attaining financial sustainability. We also suggest social policies that promote supports for social entrepreneurs since environmental, economic, and social sustainability are core goals. But we also raise cautions about fostering social enterprises as panaceas for addressing human needs when government investments are required in social welfare, social protections, and ecosystem supports. Contextual frames are provided that range from social enterprise business plans and measuring entrepreneurial orientation to avoiding displacement dynamics and pitfalls of non-market economies. These are consistent with the global agenda of building jobs from the ground up as articulated in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Recommendations are derived from illustrative cases from the nations and regions featured for more strategic supports and investments in social entrepreneurs and social enterprises.

Keywords
economic development, inclusive economies, job creation, social development, social enterprises, social entrepreneurship, social impact, social policy, transitioning economies