The concepts, definitions and frame of reference of the social economy fall within an ongoing process of discussion. Through this study, the Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of Social Solidarity Economy (RIPESS), which gathers social economy networks all over the world, explains its conceptual approach of social economy. Claiming that this sector represents a way for a systemic change, and emphasizing its values and potentialitie, this work examines the key concepts and the strategies related to social economy and which diverge depending on regional contexts.