AdvancementS in Social Economy through Technological Solutions: Deliverable No. D2.1 Literature Review and Regional Examination.

Task 2.2, “Regional Examination of Political, Regulatory, and Labour Conditions Affecting the Social Economy Across the EU.” The first part of the document presents an extensive review of academic and grey literature, highlighting the contributions of the Social Economy in advancing social inclusion and the creation of quality jobs. It synthesizes key findings, theoretical frameworks, and empirical evidence to elucidate how SE actors contribute to inclusive and equitable labour market participation. The second part comprises a regional analysis that explores the diverse political, regulatory, and labour market conditions that shape the operation and impact of Social Economy organisations across different EU Member States. This examination identifies both enabling and constraining factors within regional and national contexts, offering a comparative perspective on policy frameworks, institutional support, and socio-economic dynamics relevant to the SE sector. Together, these two components provide a foundational understanding of the Social Economy’s role in promoting inclusive growth and decent work, and they offer critical insights to guide the next phases of the ASSETS project.