Abstract

In recent years, due to socio-demographic changes, and the emergence of new social risks, the Italian social protection system witnesses increasing difficulties in providing the answers to citizens' needs. In order to complement welfare state action, new forms of social intervention have been introduced by mobilizing non-public funds and resources. The article focuses in particular on contractual and company-based welfare measures that provide new services and benefits to an increasing number of workers and their families. Within this context, the article intends to explore whether and to what extent company-based welfare can find a niche in the sharing economy, and more specifically if it can represent an opportunity for redesigning social enterprises' role in a rapidly changing market. In detail, based on the analysis of the CGM Cooperative Group's experience, the authors aim at identifying opportunities, risks and challenges related to the (re)positioning of the Third Sector within the company-based welfare market.