Towards Social Economy: Young Social Innovators as Forerunners of Positive Change in V4 and WB6
The project will bring the concept of social economy in the spotlight, encompassing three innovative perspectives: 1) transferring success stories between the two regions; 2) analyzing the role of social economy from a EU enlargement perspective – sharing the EU integrations experience of V4; 3) emphasizing the role of youth in establishing a common understanding and practice of social economy enterprises and organizations in Europe. Thus, we have built a consortium of experienced partners from all V4 and WB6 countries bringing know-how in social economy and policy-making, and on the other side, in youth work and youth empowerment. We aim to explore the current developments of social economy in the two regions, in the light of EU enlargement, to analyze the WB potential for economic and social development, as well as to contribute to human capital development and talent acquisition of youth in the two regions, both also facing worrisome brain-drain rates. The project will also advocate for improved policy measures and action plans in V4 and WB6, creating an enabling environment for sustainable development and promoting V4 accomplishments in the social economy. On the other side, it will give the floor to the beneficiaries: the youth and the social enterprises to promote their accomplishment and empower their peers to become socially responsible and aware developing innovative solutions to the persisting issues in their communities. Throughout the project activities, Visegrad Fund visibility will be enhanced as well as the awareness about EU and EU enlargement.