Overview of SE and Legal Framework in Republic of Moldova
Social entrepreneurship in the Republic of Moldova is shaped and regulated by Law No. 845/1992.
This legal framework defines social entrepreneurship, outlines its operational activities, and lays
down the conditions for obtaining the status of social enterprises and integration enterprises.
A social enterprise in Moldova is defined as an enterprise established by associations,
foundations, religious sects, private institutions and/or individuals engaging in social
entrepreneurship activities aimed at resolving community-based social problems and meeting
the conditions laid out by law. This law enables limited liability companies and production
cooperatives, set up by the entities, to obtain social enterprise status if they fulfill the following
conditions:
• They engage in activities in at least one of the domains stated in Article 361 point 4 of Law
No. 845/1992.
• They provide equal voting rights to all associates, regardless of their contribution to the
share capital.
• They reinvest at least 90% of their profits into achieving objectives in the areas mentioned
in Article 361 point 4 of Law No. 845/1992, which must be explicitly stated in their
founding documents.
• They apply the principle ofsocial equity towards employees, ensuring fair wage levels with
no differences.
• They do not have debts to the national public budget.
The law provides for the National Commission for Social Entrepreneurship to grant social
enterprise status or integration enterprise status for a three-year term, with the possibility of
extension if the enterprises can demonstrate adherence to the conditions upon which the
respective status was granted. The status becomes effective from the moment the terms „social
enterprise“ or „integration enterprise“ are included in the enterprise’s founding documents and
registered in the state register where the legal entity is recorded.
However, the process has been criticized for burdening entrepreneurs with additional
administrative procedures and costs. Currently, the registry of social enterprises held by the
Ministry of Economy is not connected with the State Register of Legal Entities held by the Public
Services Agency. This disconnects results in the enterprises needing to undergo a status
modification procedure and bear the costs associated with these changes. The fee for recording
modifications is roughly 1,249 MDL (65 EUR), which is equivalent to the fee for a new registration.
Proposals to address these challenges include ensuring data exchange between the Ministry of
Economy and the Public Services Agency so that the social enterprise status granted by the
National Commission for Social Entrepreneurship can be recorded and integrated into the State
Register of Legal Entities. This approach would require the establishment of data exchange
procedures and possibly changes to the regulatory framework. Another suggestion is to offer
reduced tariffs for social enterprises and integration enterprises registering status changes with
the Public Services Agency.
In conclusion, despite the procedural and financial challenges involved in acquiring social
enterprise status in Moldova, the legal recognition of social entrepreneurship by Law No.
845/1992 is a significant step forward. It supports the development of social enterprises and
enhances their capacity to address social problems, foster inclusion, and contribute to economic
sustainability.
Overview of Education and VET System
The education system in Moldova comprises both general education and vocational education
and training (VET) sectors. The education system in Moldova is regulated by the Ministry of
Education, Culture, and Research.
➢ General Education
The general education system in Moldova consists of three levels: primary education (grades 1-
4), lower secondary education (grades 5-9), and upper secondary education (grades 10-12).
Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. The curriculum includes a
wide range of subjects, including languages (Moldovan, Russian, and English), mathematics,
sciences, social sciences, arts, physical education, and vocational education.
➢ VET Education
VET in Moldova is offered at various educational institutions, including vocational schools,
colleges, and technical universities. VET programs provide practical skills and knowledge to
students, preparing them for specific occupations and trades. The programs cover a broad range
of fields such as agriculture, construction, engineering, information technology, economics, and
healthcare. VET programs can vary in duration, typically lasting between 1 and 3 years.
Upon completion of a VET program, students receive a vocational qualification or certificate,
which enhances their employability in their chosen field.
➢ Higher Education
Moldova has several universities and higher education institutions that offer undergraduate and
postgraduate programs in various disciplines. Higher education programs in Moldova lead to
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.
VET Institutions in the Engineering Sector: Analysis and Outlook
The engineering sector plays a crucial role in the development and growth of economies,
including the Republic of Moldova. To understand the current landscape and identify areas for
improvement, a situational analysis of VET institutions in the engineering sector was. This analysis
aims to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges faced by these
institutions in preparing skilled engineering professionals.
The Center of Excellence in Energy and Electronics offers young, inquisitive minds over 15 study
programs in the engineering sector that opens the path to personal fulfillment and social
recognition. The mission undertaken at the Public Institution Center of Excellence in Energy and
Electronics is to „develop value in people, processes, and products.“ In this regard, they aim to
develop advanced education and professional training at a high level of quality in specific fields,
both nationally and internationally, in line with the intellectual, professional, and social
development needs of each individual and Moldovan society.
Center of Excellence in Informatics and Information Technologies with 6 programs in the
engineering sector, is engaged in educating and training of responsible, capable students to
respond quickly and competently to the new requirements of the labour market. Also, formation
of future qualified specialists, requested by economical entities.
The mission of the College of Engineering is to modernize vocational and technical education
through the interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary integration of fundamental and applied fields
of study. This contributes to the acquisition of both theoretical and practical knowledge, as well
as the development of the necessary professional skills. The educational trajectory provided will
enable graduates to successfully integrate into both the national and international job market.
In the Technical College of Railways in Bălți , the focus is the development of competencies within
6 engineering and transport specializations.
The Polytechnic College in the city of Balti is a post-secondary and non-tertiary technical
vocational education and training institution that provides specialized training for the national
economy in the fields of Mechanical Engineering and Metal Processing, Information and
Communication Technology, Electrical Engineering and Power Engineering, and Electronics and
Automation.
In addition to the specialized Centers of Excellence and Colleges, there are also 42 vocational
schools in the country that offer technical programs related to the engineering sector. While these
schools offer another level of specialization according to ISCED, then the Centers of Excellence or
Colleges, they still provide valuable training and education in various engineering fields: hands-
on training, practical workshops, and internships to help students develop practical skills and gain
industry-relevant experience.
These vocational schools aim to equip students with fundamental technical skills and knowledge
that can prepare them for entry-level positions in the engineering industry. They offer a range of
programs in areas such as mechanics and metal processing, information technology and
communications, electrical engineering and power systems, and electronics and automation.
Integrating Social Entrepreneurship in VET Education: Curriculum Analysis
in Moldova
The Moldova Employment and Entrepreneurship Education and Training Activity project,
implemented by Center for Entrepreneurial Education and Business Support (CEDA), has made a
significant impact on the vocational education and training (VET) system in Moldova. The project
successfully introduced the mandatory Basics of Entrepreneurship (BoE) curriculum in VET
schools across the country, enhancing the quality of entrepreneurship education.
The collaborative efforts between CEDA and the Ministry of Education have been instrumental in
the successful implementation of the project. Through the project, the BoE curriculum was
developed, aligning it with the needs of the Moldovan economy and ensuring its relevance to
students‘ future entrepreneurial endeavors.
The participatory approach used during the curriculum development phase fostered engagement
and involvement of VET school teachers. Through training programs, teachers were equipped
with new curriculum content and innovative teaching methods, enriching the learning experience
for students and nurturing their entrepreneurial skills.
The „Basics of Entrepreneurship“ curriculum holds a significant position in the educational
landscape of the Republic of Moldova, as it is not only delivered in all VET institutions but also
serves as a compulsory examination for the Professional Baccalaureate qualification.
As part of the national educational framework, the inclusion of „Basics of Entrepreneurship“ as a
mandatory discipline for VET institutions highlights the importance placed on fostering
entrepreneurial skills and knowledge among students. This curriculum aims to provide a
comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship, preparing students for the challenges and
opportunities they may encounter in the business world. As part of their final examination, the
students prepare and present a business plan for their idea.
By including „Basics of Entrepreneurship“ as a compulsory examination, the Republic of Moldova
aims to achieve the following objectives:
Recognition of entrepreneurial competencies: The curriculum recognizes the significance of
entrepreneurial competencies as essential skills for students pursuing vocational education and
training. By incorporating entrepreneurship into the Baccalaureate examination, the educational
• System acknowledges the importance of entrepreneurship in the overall development of
students.
• Practical application of entrepreneurial concepts: The curriculum focuses on practical
aspects of entrepreneurship, enabling students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-
life business scenarios. Through case studies, project work, and hands-on activities,
students gain insights into the actual challenges and decision-making processes involved
in running a business.
• Promotion of entrepreneurial mindset: The curriculum aims to cultivate an
entrepreneurial mindset among students, encouraging them to think innovatively, identify
opportunities, and take calculated risks. It emphasizes creativity, critical thinking,
problem-solving, and adaptability as key entrepreneurial traits.
• Integration of theory and practice: „Basics of Entrepreneurship“ integrates theoretical
concepts with practical applications, ensuring that students develop a holistic
understanding of entrepreneurship. It equips them with the necessary knowledge in areas
such as business planning, marketing, financial management, and risk assessment.
• By integrating social entrepreneurship into the “Basics of Entrepreneurship” curriculum,
Moldova can further promote sustainable and socially responsible business practices
among future entrepreneurs. This expansion will empower students with the knowledge
and skills needed to address societal challenges while pursuing entrepreneurial
opportunities.