The level of knowledge of social entrepreneurship among the general population is reduced. Over 60% of the respondents of a poll haven’t heard or do not know about social entrepreneurship. Even if each fifth interviewed person said that they can define social entrepreneurship, when they were asked to say the name of a social enterprise, only 2% could do it, shows the sociologic survey “Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors in the field of social entrepreneurship in the Republic of Moldova” that was presented by Keystone Moldova.
In a news conference hosted by IPN, Ludmila Malcoci, Keystone Moldova executive director, said the study was carried out during July-September 2022. A documentary office analysis of the relevant normative framework was performed, four interviews with experts in the field were conducted and six focus group discussions with different target groups were held. Opinion polls were carried out among the general population, among individuals aged between 15 and 65 years, on a sample of 1,142 persons.
The respondents were asked who they consider are the beneficiaries of social enterprises and what characteristics these enterprises have against the ordinary enterprises. Over half of those polled gave a correct response intuitively. They mentioned the persons with disabilities, children and young people from vulnerable groups, the older persons. Another 28% of those surveyed said the entire society benefits from social enterprises, while 19% said these enterprises benefit local communities.
The study shows the regulation of social entrepreneurship as a component part of the general normative framework of entrepreneurship diminishes the importance of the field, the understanding of particularities, applicable principles and the method of operation. Also, the acceptance of disfavored persons in the context of social entrepreneurship as a target group is narrow in the way in which it is regulated by the special law – the Law on Social Assistance.
The study authors ascertained that the list of activities that fall under social entrepreneurship is rather limited. “In this connection, we should probably think not to include the list of activities that can be practiced within social entrepreneurship, but to directly include the list of activities that cannot be practiced within social entrepreneurship,” stated Ludmila Malcoci.
The status of social enterprise is obtained formally together with the registration of statutory modifications that imply an administrative procedure and additional costs as there is no exchange of information between the authorities and there is no common and clear methodology for determining how the social enterprises comply with the assigned status. There are also no tax concessions and no programs to guide through the starting and development of a social business.
Oxana Isac, Keystone Moldova project coordinator, said the study was conducted as part of the project “Harnessing CSOs’ potential to promote and develop the social entrepreneurship in Moldova” that is financed by the European Union and co-financed by Sweden in partnership with East Europe Foundation, the Contact Center and Keystone Moldova. The project last for three years, since January 2022 and the end of 2024.
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