A Comprehensive Support Ecosystem for the Development of Social Enterprises in the Republic of Srpska

Through its participation in the Danube4SEecosystem project, the Development Agency of the Republic of Srpska (RARS) has played a key role in strengthening the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Republic of Srpska by supporting strategic development, institutional cooperation and capacity building for social enterprises and local public authorities.

Working together with the Ministry of Economy and Entrepreneurship of the Republic of Srpska, the project's Strategic Associated Partner, RARS contributed to the development of the Social Entrepreneurship Development Strategy of the Republic of Srpska 2026–2032, adopted by the Government in December 2025. The Strategy provides the first comprehensive framework for supporting social entrepreneurship as an important driver of innovative, sustainable and socially responsible economic development.

Building on the Law on Social Entrepreneurship, adopted in 2021, additional institutional support has been established through the creation of the Council for the Development of Social Entrepreneurship, which monitors the sector and supports its further development.

The project also strengthened the capacities of social enterprises and local authorities through the D4SEE online learning platform, offering training on access to finance, marketing, human resource management and cooperation between social enterprises and local public authorities.

Another important milestone was the National Knowledge Transfer Workshop, organised on 29 April 2026 in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Entrepreneurship as part of the conference "Development of Social Entrepreneurship in the Republic of Srpska: Experiences, Perspectives and Strengthening the Local Support System". The event brought together public authorities, social enterprises and other stakeholders to exchange good practices and discuss practical approaches to supporting the social economy, including socially responsible public procurement and stronger local support mechanisms.

The project also provided international visibility for social enterprises from the Republic of Srpska. The General Agricultural Cooperative "ŽENA" Bratunac received the "Greatest Social Impact" award in the Danube4SEecosystem Social Award competition, recognising its contribution to social inclusion and community development.

One of the clearest indicators of the project's impact is the growing number of officially registered social enterprises in the Republic of Srpska. While only three social enterprises were officially registered at the beginning of the project, nine are now registered, reflecting increasing awareness, stronger institutional support and improved conditions for the development of the sector.

Through policy development, capacity building, stakeholder cooperation and practical support measures, Danube4SEecosystem has contributed to establishing a stronger and more sustainable support ecosystem for social enterprises in the Republic of Srpska, creating a solid foundation for future growth and long-term social impact.