SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: THEORETICAL AND LEGAL ASPECT

Abstract

In the conditions of growing socio-economic challenges and limited financial resources of the state, the importance of social entrepreneurship as a tool for solving them and creating social benefits is growing. The article summarizes the main approaches to defining the concept of "social entrepreneurship". Two main approaches to defining social entrepreneurship are defined: broad (refers to the relevant sector of business activities and non-profit organizations with a social mission); narrow (does not take into account the social activities of non-profit organizations). The financial basis for the realization of the social mission of the subjects of social entrepreneurship (according to the narrow approach) is the profit obtained from entrepreneurial activity. Achievement of social goals by non-profit organizations is achieved at the expense of charitable contributions and donations. It was investigated that there were legislative initiatives regarding social entrepreneurship in Ukraine. However, there is currently no specific legislative act that would regulate the relevant sector in Ukraine. Legislative regulation of social entrepreneurship in the EU in each state takes place differently, taking into account the «Social Entrepreneurship Initiative» program adopted by the European Commission. The concepts and characteristics of traditional entrepreneurship, socially responsible business and social entrepreneurship are compared. It was determined that social entrepreneurship has a number of positive aspects and consequences, including: creation of social goods and services; ensuring social inclusion of vulnerable population groups; solving social problems; increasing social awareness and activity in communities; reducing the burden on local budgets in relation to solving social problems, etc. A number of obstacles to the development of social entrepreneurship in Ukraine have been identified: lack of legislative regulation and program support; lack of statistical accounting and monitoring of activity results; low level of public awareness of the importance of social entrepreneurship.