WISEs and their potential to transform the Croatian skill-formation regime

Abstract

Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) combine social and economic goals and support vulnerable groups by offering employment and skill development opportunities. This paper explores their potential to transform Croatia’s skill-formation regime. By analysing data from 13 European countries, we examine the current state of WISEs in Croatia, assess their capacity to influence skill development practices and position them in a broader post-socialist context. The findings suggest that while Croatian WISEs are limited by the small size of the sector, the absence of systematic support and comparative underinvestment in staff, they still hold the potential to transform the Croatian skill formation regime in the direction a more coordinated/collectivized approach. Authors recommend introducing a clearer distinction between WISEs primary orientated towards permanent or transitional labour market integration; and incentivizing WISEs oriented towards transitional integration to engage with the provision of vocational education and training, adult education and active labour market policy.