Research Project on "Financial mechanisms for Innovative Social and Solidarity Economy Ecosystems"

Supported by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social and Solidarity Economy of the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, this project aims at fostering a better understanding of the global ecosystems, i.e. the relations and interactions between a number of Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) stakeholders favouring SSE, and the financial mechanism that supports and consolidate them.

The project will answer, among others, the following questions:
  • What elements (actors, the relationships, etc.) make up an innovative SSE ecosystem? What is the role of social partners in these ecosystems, how does SSE foster the creation of green jobs, and what is its contribution to gender equality and the inclusion of vulnerable groups?
  • What are the specificities of SSE, requiring distinct and dedicated financial mechanisms?
  • What financial mechanisms exist within these ecosystems that allow the SSE organizations and enterprises to grow and innovate? What conditions are required for these ecosystems to be fully effective?
  • What challenges or issues arise in these ecosystems, both financially and in other terms (employment relations, procurement mechanisms, operating in competitive markets, etc.)?
In line with the priorities of the funding Ministry, the project will cover one to two countries per continent (Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa), some of which are part of the International Leading Group on Social and Solidarity Economy (ILGSSE).

The project’s direct beneficiaries will be, among others, policy makers, social partners, development organizations who, through a better understanding of SSE ecosystems and the supporting financial mechanisms will be better equipped to take advantage of the SSE’s full potential in promoting social justice, and creating decent work for all.

The project’s indirect beneficiaries will be SSE stakeholders and actors who, through better public policies and legal frameworks for SSE, adapted to their needs and characteristics, will have their organizations and enterprises develop and successfully integrate into a favourable ecosystem, including better access to finance. Furthermore, strengthening the knowledge base on SSE and its financing mechanisms to the general public will promote the creation and recognition of SSE organizations and enterprises as an integral part of the global economy, alongside the public and private sectors.

The research for this project is being undertaken by the European Research Institute on Cooperative and Social Enterprises (Euricse).