The term refers to the complex of entities that pursue civic, solidarity, and social utility goals without profit, based on the principle of subsidiarity. These entities (also known by the acronym ETS) operate through organizational models based on the contribution of volunteers and mutualistic or entrepreneurial forms aimed at the exchange of goods and services.
Although the expression “third sector” qualifies it as “third” compared to the two traditional sectors (state and market), it has now become a fundamental reference point for the development of the social economy. In Europe alone, there are 2.8 million non-profit organizations that employ 13.6 million people, including one million in Italy, where more than 5.5 million volunteers operate.