INTRODUCTION: RECENT TRENDS IN SOCIAL ECONOMY RESEARCH

International research on the social economy has undergone three important changes over the last five years. Firstly, the socioeconomic reality subject of this research has suffered a profound transformation as a result of the impact and the prolongation of the crisis and the expectations created in relation to the role of the social economy. Secondly, the topics under scrutiny by the scientific community have changed gradually over these years adapting to the macro and micromutations being studied. Thirdly, we have witnessed what may be considered the definitive consolidation and institutionalization of research into the social economy and its scientific community. This latter is confirmed by the prolific and diversified scientific output, the recognition of the specialized scientific journals, the solidity of the international networks of researchers and research centres and specialist training, as well as by the existence of periodic international scientific conferences.