A variety of approaches to the field of study loosely referred to as the "third sector" exist across most European countries and around the world. Regardless of the approach used – non-profit studies, social economy, solidarity-based economy, social enterprise, etc. – the academic recognition of this field is being mirrored by a number of specialized university programs and research centers that attract an increasing number of young researchers. In a similar vein, the number of Ph.D. and Masters theses being prepared on topics related to this extensive field are currently found in traditional university schools such as political science, sociology, economics, anthropology, etc, as well as in business schools.

Nevertheless, specific doctoral training programs for young scholars in the third sector that address theoretical and hands-on research issues do not abound. Those programs that exist favor either a sociopolitical or a non-profit perspective.

In this context, the international summer school “Social enterprises, third sector, social economy, solidarity-based economy: Empirical and theoretical debates” aims to complete and widen the offer available to future scholars with important analytical frameworks. By avoiding narrow disciplinary focuses, the summer school seeks to strengthen the training of graduate students by means of in-depth and varied theoretical lectures, debates, workshops and presentations. Some key professors – also members of the EMES and/or Cinefogo networks – will present both traditional and non-traditional disciplinary approaches to this field of study as part of the theoretical corpus of the summer school. Most of these well-known professors manage research centers covering a wide spectrum of research themes, which will represent a major strength for the participating doctoral students. Specifically, Ph.D. students will have an opportunity to directly interact with and receive immediate input from these experienced scholars and thus advance their own research.

From a content standpoint, the specificity of this summer school can be articulated through:

• An innovative cross-analysis of the major theoretical trends in the field (social economy and solidarity-based economy, and NPO theories), with an eye on providing new analytical tools to undertake research in the sector;
• A solid and pioneering experience on research related to social enterprise and social entrepreneurship, with an eye on creating a dialogue with other conceptions.

For more details about proposal submissions and information on the summer school, please see the attached document or contact Rocío Nogales (rocio@gefiri.org) or by telephone at +32(0)43663139.

The deadline for submitting applications for the Summer School on Social enterprises, third sector, social economy, solidarity-based economy, that is organised withing the WP35 of the CINEFOGO is 10 April 2008.