Social Economy Sustainability at a Regional Level—The Case of the Western Macedonia Region in Greece

The role of social economy and its institutional strengthening, especially in recent years in Greece, reinforce the need for research in the particular field. On the other hand, the importance of regional development and the related European regional policies highlight the need for research data for social economy sustainability in a regional context. This article attempts to present the regional characteristics, as they are reported through interviews by members of social cooperative enterprises that could be taken into account in the development of sustainable business initiatives in the field of social economy. Research is carried out in the Region of Western Macedonia as one of the Greek regions with significant economic challenges. The strengths and weaknesses of the specific area and of its social enterprises as well as the sustainability factors of social entrepreneurship, as perceived by the surveyed representatives, are presented. Finally, the results of this qualitative research are examined in conjunction with the priority areas set by the Regional Smart Specialization Strategy. The knowledge of the subject, the support of the administrative structures, the awareness of the citizens for the social economy, and the development of skills are important factors for the effectiveness of social enterprise activities.