Social Economy as a Social Innovation in Rural Development

Rural peripheries are characterised by low density of population, long distance from core regions and cities, lack of businesses and low standard of life. But on the other hand, they remain natural and cultural values what are needed to utilize them. Can be solve the problem of unemployment, satisfy local needs and preserve our common heritage at the same time? This paper states that social economy offers this kind of solution even in the eastern part of Europe. Assumptions for strengthen social economy sector and use it like a tools in rural development are listed as a conclusion.