Implications on Development of Social Economy in Bulgaria

The paper discusses the significance and the role of social economy development through the example of the Republic of Bulgaria as a member-state of the European union abiding to the European legislation, strategies and policies but also establishing and implementing such in accordance to the national peculiarities. The social economy is analyzed through its characteristics and potentials of sustainable business models contributing to the achievement of the goals of sustainable, smart and inclusive growth. The relations between the concepts and notions of social economy, social entrepreneurship, social enterprises and volunteering are examined as well as the influence of social economy on employment. Main conclusions are made concerning the National concept of social economy and relevant recommendations for improvement of policy and institutional support