The event took place in Iasi, Romania and brought together European leaders in the social economy, representatives of the European Commission and OECD, the Romanian Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity, social entrepreneurs, traditional entrepreneurs and private sector representatives, national and local authorities, highlighting the most important issues in this sector.

The third edition of the European Social Economy Conference “Enterprising for Tomorrow”, organised by the ADV Romania, enjoyed a record attendance this year. Nearly 1,000 people took part in the event, both physically and online. The conference took place over a full day and included several side events: Buy Social Expo, Award Gala,  a Business Matching Event and the conference itself, including five panel discussions.

36 speakes at the Enterprising for Tomorrow 2024

The five panels of the conference brought together speakers from all over Europe, leading names in the social economy. The opening address was given by Nicholas Schmit, the European Commissioner for Employment and Social Rights.

“The momentum we have started with our Social Economy Action Plan in December ’21 continues to this day. The Action Plan consists of an ambitious set of 60 concrete initiatives covering all aspects of the ecosystem. In June ’23 the Commission adopted a proposal for Council recommendation on developing social economy Frameworks to which the council gave its green light in November 2023. Member states must now create strategies with the political commitment and resources needed for the social economy to thrive.”

Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights

https://youtu.be/KrPMqQGAayo

During the panel discussions, topics such as European trends and the European Social Economy Action Plan, the role of European and national networks in the development of the sector, digitisation and human resource development in the social economy sector and social financing solutions were touched upon.

“We are glad that, for the third time, we have managed to bring together in Iasi the most important national and European leaders of the social economy sector and put this field in the spotlight. As an organisation that has been active in this sector for over 23 years, we can say that the social economy has become increasingly visible, but new policies and instruments to support the social economy need to be developed to accelerate its development. We are very pleased that Minister Simona Bucura – Oprescu, present at the event, has committed herself to support this sector and we take it as a promise that we will support with our own practical expertise, so that this sector develops in line with market needs.”

Angela Achiței, president of ADV Romania & RISE Romania

During this edition of the Enterprising for Tomorrow Conference, a new edition of the Romanian Social Economy Barometer was launched, a document developed and presented for the first time in Iasi by Ancuța Vameșu, vice-president of RISE Romania, containing updated data on the current situation of the social economy sector in Romania.

Over 220 participants attended in person the event in Iasi, Romania

Business sector representatives, social entrepreneurs and social enterprises employees, representatives of public, academic and civic sectors from Romania, Rep. of Moldova, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Slovenia, Poland, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Finland, the UK, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Ireland and Norway attended the event in-person.

The event was live streamed on Zoom, Facebook and YouTube, gathering over 770 unique viewers.

A unique upcycled fashion project designed by Irina Schrotter was launched at the event

The event was also the occasion for the launch of the OPYA Fashion collection by fashion designer Irina Schrotter. It is a collection of clothes made from recycled materials such as bags from the OPYA coffee roastery, a collection that bears the signature of the renowned fashion designer from Iași.

Social Entrepreneurs Fair – Buy Social Expo

Discussions on public policies developed at national and European level were complemented by ideas and challenges shared by the social entrepreneurs present at the conference, who were able to present and sell their products at the Buy Social Expo.

Social Enterprise Accelerator Award Gala and Business Matchmaking Event

The evening was dedicated to networking and celebrating the organisations in the social economy sector. 18 entities were awarded at the Social Enterprise Accelerator Gala, following the counting of over 13,700 online votes. The conference concluded with a networking session at the Business Matching Event.

More than 60 national and European partners joined the European social economy event

The most important European networks based in Brussels, which develop the social economy ecosystem at European level partnered with ADV Romania for this event: ENSIE, EASPD, Social Economy Europe, Diesis Network.

Networks in Romania developing programmes and tools for social economy organisations: Ambasada Sustenabilității în România, RISE – Rețeaua Română a Economiei Sociale, FONSS, FDSC.

The most important organization in Moldova that develops social entrepreneurship in Moldova: Est-European Foundation.

Project partners: Camera de Comerț și Industrie Iași, Diak, Ateliere Fără Frontiere, Mondragon University, Unikum AS, AFIN IFN SA, Social Finance Association (SFA), Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini.

Strategic parteners: European Investement Fund, Asociația Marilor Rețele Comercial din România, Irina Schrotter, Agenția Națională pentru Achiziții Publice, CCI France Roumanie, Primăria Municipiului Iași, Consiliul Județean Iași, ADR Nord-Est, Squeeze It – Unitate Protejată, AJOFM Iași, FabLab Iași.

Media partners: TVR Iași, PIN Magazine, Evenimentul, Sustenabilitate.biz, WINK Public Multimedia, COOP News, Business Age.

Sponsors: Opya, Mastercard, UtilDeco, JobDirect, WISE.travel, BCR, Ophori Handmade Cosmetics, Editura Gama, Portretica, Bricked, 2BE, AER, Fundația Inimă de Copil, Muzeul Amintirilor din Comunism, Clinica Tia Dent, ImpaktEU, Strunga Winery, vitamin aqua, Migdalin Iași.

Event phots were generously provided Portretica social enterprise.

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The conference was organized by ADV Romania Foundation, within the framework of five projects co-financed by the European Union:

• Buy Social B2B – Buy social Future of Social Economy!
• B-WISE – Blueprint for Sectoral Cooperation on Skills in Work Integration Social Enterprises
• SocialTech4EU – SocialTech for Europe for Resilient and Responsible Ecosystems
• baSE – Blueprint for advanced skills & trainings in the social economy
• ESIC – Alliance Fostering Skills Development for Social Economy – European Social Innovation Campus

The Resolution of the conference

ADV Romania, the Romanian Social Economy Network – RISE Romania and the Social Enterprise Accelerator Cluster adopted the Resolution of the European Conference “Enterprising for Tomorrow” which includes a series of priorities and actions to be included in the National Government Programme and in Local Strategies.

Read the Resolution

Our vision for the Enterprising for Tomorrow event

To inspire the next wave of social change through social entrepreneurship

We believe that the power of “together” and the leadership of the 21st century will help us
build prosperous communities, in which a profitable business is also sustainable, inclusive
and creates opportunities for all.

Imagine being at the forefront of a movement that’s redefining the future of business and society. The upcoming Enterprising for Tomorrow is not just another event. It is a gateway to a world where innovation meets social responsibility, and where your participation could ignite the spark of change.

What to expect from the 3rd edition?

• Discussion panels with thought leaders and policy makers
• Workshops with social entrepreneurs and social economy experts
• Award Gala
• Networking Dinner
• Buy Social Expo
• + dynamic conversations and meaningful connections

This year’s conference will feature thought-provoking panel discussions and interactive workshops designed to tackle the most pressing issues in the sector.

A highlight of the event will be the “Accelerator of Social Enterprises Award Gala”. This gala will recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of leading social enterprises and companies that engage in responsible procurement. 

Additionally, the conference will host the “Cocktail – Business Matching Event”, an exclusive networking opportunity. This relaxed and engaging setting provides the perfect backdrop for attendees to connect, exchange innovative ideas, and explore potential collaborations. It’s an ideal chance to build meaningful connections that could shape the future of the social economy.

Beyond these special events, the conference will also include the Buy Social Expo, a dynamic exhibition space in Atrium Palas Mall, for social enterprises and responsible businesses. This expo is a unique opportunity for the conference attendees and mall visitor to discover and engage with organizations making a tangible impact through their products and services.

EFT2024, an experience designed for leaders that care about a better world

The 3rd edition of the largest Social Economy Conference in Romania is not just an event. It is a comprehensive platform for learning, recognition, networking, and inspiration, all aimed at fostering a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Join us to connect with thought leaders, social entrepreneurs and policy makers and immerse yourself in an environment with transformative ideas and collaborations. This is more than an opportunity to learn—it’s your chance to be part of shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.

→ Register for free

→ Become a sponsor of the 3rd edition of the Enterprising for Tomorrow Conference