ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the debate on social enterprises (SEs) and social entrepreneurship by focusing on the specific managerial characteristics that are often found in Europe. It examines the most salient and interesting managerial traits of organizations that support SE in Europe. The chapter provides an overview of the main objectives, sectors, and legal forms adopted by the SEs in the sample as well as the motivations of the persons who founded or work in these organizations. It explores the participatory nature of European SEs, placing special emphasis on the wide array of stakeholders who have a vested interest in these organizations. The chapter focuses on the main drivers of innovation and the various obstacles and challenges faced by these organizations. SE and social innovation have been adapted by public and private actors to suit specific social and economic goals.
