This article is a revised and updated version of an earlier publication2. It begins by looking at the issue of the definition of the third sector arguing in favour of a coming together of the concepts of civil society and social economy - what they share as core values outweighing their...

Social enterprises have gained importance in the policy debate in many European and non-European countries, as also demonstrated by the European Commission’s recent “Social Business Initiative”. This marks an important milestone for European policy makers and other stakeholders involved in...