Format
Downloadable/printable .pdf document
Launched
January 2022
Author/s
Prepared by Morrison & Foerster LLP with support from Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation
Overview
This social enterprise law and policy report identifies legal structures and policies that nations can adopt to catalyse the advancement of social enterprises around the world.
The recommendations and observations included in the report were derived from the review of laws and policies that help social enterprises flourish in 83 jurisdictions around the world, covering every inhabited continent and major legal structure.
This report is important reading because it reflects the fact that an “all hands on deck” approach is needed to achieve rapid, large-scale improvements in social, environmental, and economic outcomes for people and business globally. The hard work of tackling climate change, environmental degradation, and inequalities in health outcomes, education, and social welfare can’t be left only to governments and non-profit organisations and the goodwill of business interests, if economic systems are to be reformed to promote sustainable growth. Social enterprises have a vital role to play in bridging this gap as they can integrate social, environmental, and other impact objectives with traditional business practices to seek profitable, and self-sustainable operations while serving the common good.
Social enterprises are found all over the world but most jurisdictions have a lack of laws and policies to support them, and in some cases, requirements hinder their growth.