SOCIAL CLAUSES AS AN INSTRUMENT SUPPORTING THE SOCIAL ECONOMY SECTOR

Based on the research results, the article presents opinions of the representatives of social economy sector and local authorities on the current use of social clauses indicated in public procurement regulations, which are a tool oriented at increase of participation of the social economy sector in the public procurement market. The research confirms low usage of social clauses mechanism. The main constraints in use of these tools by local authorities include: lack of sufficient knowledge about social benefits arising from providing social services by social economy units and fear of using a legal measure that limits competition of entities operating on the free market. The respondents underline that information about the goals of social economy and the its potential are the basis for activities aimed at increasing interest in using the social clause mechanism.