The book "The Emergence of Social Enterprise," edited by Carlo Borzaga and Jacques Defourny, explores the development and characteristics of social enterprises across fifteen European Union countries. It is published by Routledge in both hardcover (2001) and paperback (2004) formats. The book is divided into two main parts. The first part presents case studies of social enterprises in each of the fifteen EU countries, detailing their roles in various sectors such as childcare, community services, employment, and local development. The second part offers a theoretical perspective on social enterprises, discussing topics such as their economic significance, the role of social capital, and management challenges. The introduction by Jacques Defourny sets the stage by discussing the transition from the third sector to social enterprise. The conclusion summarizes the diversity of social enterprise initiatives across Europe and their future prospects. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the concept, practice, and theory of social enterprises, highlighting their importance in addressing social and economic challenges. It is a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers interested in the social enterprise movement. The content is structured to provide both empirical insights and theoretical frameworks, making it a key reference in the field of social enterprise studies.The book "The Emergence of Social Enterprise," edited by Carlo Borzaga and Jacques Defourny, explores the development and characteristics of social enterprises across fifteen European Union countries. It is published by Routledge in both hardcover (2001) and paperback (2004) formats. The book is divided into two main parts. The first part presents case studies of social enterprises in each of the fifteen EU countries, detailing their roles in various sectors such as childcare, community services, employment, and local development. The second part offers a theoretical perspective on social enterprises, discussing topics such as their economic significance, the role of social capital, and management challenges. The introduction by Jacques Defourny sets the stage by discussing the transition from the third sector to social enterprise. The conclusion summarizes the diversity of social enterprise initiatives across Europe and their future prospects. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the concept, practice, and theory of social enterprises, highlighting their importance in addressing social and economic challenges. It is a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers interested in the social enterprise movement. The content is structured to provide both empirical insights and theoretical frameworks, making it a key reference in the field of social enterprise studies.