Trends and challenges for co-operatives and social enterprises in developed and transition countries

Borzaga, C. and Spear, R. eds. (2004). Trends and challenges for co-operatives and social enterprises in developed and transition countries. Trento, Italy: Fondazione Cariplo.

URL: http://www.emes.net/index.php?id=47

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed a new interest in co-operative organizations, especially as a consequence of their transformation and expansion in new fields of activity. These two phenomena are connected, since transformation appears to be the prerequisite for expanding activities in new areas and as such, are worthy of specific analysis. This work explores co-operative evolutionary dynamics in advanced and transition economies with a view to provide researchers and practitioners interested in studying and promoting the development of social economy organizations, with working materials and new research paths. More specifically, co-operatives’ recent developments towards what are currently defined as social enterprises within the co-operative framework are examined. This volume includes the most innovative reports presented and discussed by the contributors at the International Seminar - From Co-operatives to Social Enterprise, jointly organized by ISSAN (Institute for the Development Non-profit Organisations) and the EMES Network which took place in December 2003 in Trento (Italy).