The definition of
Third Sector is used to identify everything that is different from both the public sphere (state, regions, local authorities, other bodies) and the private sector, namely the market ( or undertaking as defined by law ).
What remains after these first two sectors is composed of disparate subjects have in common the ability to develop new offerings to meet the demand for services that neither the state nor the private partnerships are able to meet: This is the new social economy, which has established a legal form, a unique model of reference, but is an area where there are organized structures of social forms with very different legal .
's business sectors are affecting the Third Sector:
- social, health and social services;
- charity;
- education;
- training
- amateur sport;
- protection and enhancement of historic and artistic interest;
- protecting and enhancing the environment;
- promotion of culture and art;
- the protection of civil rights;
- scientific research of particular social interest.
To better understand what the social economy, can be illustrated as a set of steps: starting from the bottom we first voluntary action "pure"
on the step you have overcome the groups and associations (up to non-commercial associative)
still climbing, we have the foundations, the IPAB (public welfare and charitable institutions or charities) and non-governmental organizations;
then meet the banking foundations, non-profit organizations (non-profit social organizations) and social cooperatives ;
then you have the true cooperative and with their own (if any) consortia, companies and undertakings of credit cooperative.
It is therefore a world that only involves millions of people in Italy members and volunteers, organized by dozens thousands of local branches employs hundreds of thousands of workers and conscientious objectors.
