SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN UKRAINE: PROSPECTS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS

Abstract

The article examines and analyses the development of social entrepreneurship in Ukraine. It identifies areas of activity and directions that are attractive for the creation of this type of entrepreneurial initiative. It summarises the features of the creation and development of this type of entrepreneurship in the context of an imperfect regulatory and legal framework and current socio-economic conditions. It has been established that transformational changes have taken place during the war. In particular, the transition to defence support, the increased role of logistics, the development of systematic veteran reintegration, and innovative fundraising. The areas of activity of social enterprises are outlined and the main population groups and their needs that require attention from the state in terms of social security, particularly in the context of the revival and development of rural areas, are identified. It is determined that the development of social entrepreneurship in Ukraine will be of particular importance for the sustainable development of rural areas and agriculture in particular. More attention should be paid to social entrepreneurship in education in rural areas, as educational institutions can also establish their own social enterprises or operate as social enterprises. This is because social enterprises in rural areas primarily provide employment opportunities for people who, for various reasons, have been unable to obtain higher or secondary specialised education, as well as providing low-income groups with necessary products and services. The functioning of social enterprises offers an opportunity to improve the infrastructure of rural communities. Ukrainian corporate social responsibility is not charity, but strategic adaptation. It is a systematic mobilisation of corporate resources, logistics and management to ensure the nation's defence capability, social protection and economic viability. The range of activities of social enterprises in Ukraine is quite broad, from agriculture to tourism and the production of children's goods. In terms of ownership and organisational and legal forms, social enterprises are quite diverse: there are LLCs, sole proprietorships, public organisations, NGOs, etc.