The evolving field of social economy in Italy; continuity and change

In this chapter we describe the complex trajectory of social enterprises in Italy through three main steps. First, we illustrate the historical background determining the emergence of a social enterprise's ecosystem at national level, and its main transformations over time. Then, in the second part of the chapter we analyse the impact of the 2008/2009 economic crisis on the country's welfare system, and other national events responsible of opening a space of new generation for social entre- preneurship in Italy. Finally, the third part of the chapter presents a specific case study, L'Arcolaio Società Cooperativa Sociale in Sicily, in order to explore the con- crete modes through which social enterprises are actually reacting to enabling and disabling factors produced by the changing economic and political environment in Italy. Our conclusive remarks try to capture some specificities of the current situa- tion, and trace possible future developments.