Eco-social entrepreneurship analysis: needs, obstacles and good practices

The aim of this document is to look at the Eco-Social Economy in the European and in the projects’ partners in the Western Balkans countries. The ultimate goal is to drive more young people to start and develop eco – social businesses and make sure that they have access to appropriate help and support at each stage of their entrepreneurial path.

Diesis Network together with CDP “Globus” are responsible partners for the production of this deliverable and support of all of the partners of the project: coordinating partner CEDRA Split (Croatia), Local Development Agency Prozor-Rama (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Young Ambassadors (Serbia), ADP-ZID and CSO (Montenegro) and The Hub Nicosia (Cyprus).
This document is divided into two main parts: the general background information about social entrepreneurship and the concept of eco-social entrepreneurship and the country analysis.
For each country, we have focused on the following points:

1. a.) Research and Analysis of the existing state of the matter regarding eco-social entrepreneurship in partner countries
2. b.) Research on obstacles preventing the development of eco-social projects and activities through social entrepreneurship
3. c.) Good practice examples of existing eco-social entrepreneurs in partner countries, EU and the world

Given that the Western Balkans is one of the regions in Europe most heavily impacted by climate change and it is estimated to have the same trend by the end of the century, the actions set forward to the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans under the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans are key enablers to achieve the climate-neutrality target. Eco social Entrepreneurship forms a significant part of the Green Agenda, which certainly can drive the region to look for options to reduce the consumption footprint and increase the circular material use rate, which in turn will boost economic growth.¹

¹ Commission Staff Working Document (2020), Guidelines for the Implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans accompanying the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. An Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, SWD/2020/223 final