The social economy and the Europe 2020 Strategy:
Local added value and territorial roots
Brussels, 27 and 28 October 2010
Report Workshop II: The social economy, the foundation for sustainable activities.
During his introduction, Chairman Martignetti questioned the distinction between social and ecological
clauses and instead suggested to decide in favour of the broader clause "quality of life", which
encompasses the two preceding terms. A presentation held by three speakers, Marc Willem from
KOSOMIE, Anu Sarnet from the Estonian Union of Co-operative Housing Associations, and Lenka
Setkova from the Carnegie Foundation, immediately highlighted the key issues of the social economy
sector in terms of both sustainable production and activities. Marc Willem mentioned among other
things the need for education and professionalization, as well as the (need for) investment in and
support for the social economy. In addition, he argued that sustainability is multi-faceted and includes
social (equal rights, health,...), financial (profitability as a means and not as a goal) as well as
economic (innovation) aspects. Anu Sarnet in turn highlighted the need for cooperation between social
economy actors and the exchange of knowledge. She also believes in the development of a network,
and even a partnership between the different stakeholders. Lenka Setkova also underlined the
importance of the stakeholder's commitment, more specifically the role of the civil society. According
to her, the organizations which constitute this civil society as well as individual investors, should be
encouraged to invest in the social economy.
Various bottlenecks are discussed during the workshop debate.
There are several interesting opportunities for the social economy in terms of public procurement
clauses, but these are still too little known and used by both the sector and the public actors.
Therefore it is necessary to give further publicity to these clauses. In some cases the legal framework
needs to be adjusted. The market economy often considers this as unfair competition. However, Marc
Willem speaks from experience and notes that it is feasible for both the social and the market
economy to cooperate and enter into agreements about which types of commissions are appropriate
for each sector. In addition to this, there are opportunities beyond public procurement, connected to
the notion of public services.
Socially Responsible Investment also constitutes a little known opportunity for the social economy.
Banks, however, invest too little in the social economy. Lenka Setkova argues that civil society holds
potentially great powers to influence the investment decisions of banks, but fails to exercise them even
after the economic-financial crisis.
Which role should the different governments play? Should the government do more than just
offer financial support? Shouldn't the government cooperate with the social economy, given its social
and ecological objectives? Lenka Setkova doesn't think this is feasible within the British context, given
the government's current austerity measures. She states, however, that innovation usually increases
in times of crisis and thus the social economy could play a central role in new growth markets,
including the so-called "green jobs".
The visibility of the social economy is still very limited. Consumers do not know what the social
economy is really about and what it stands for. Official definitions and criteria aren't very helpful as
they are often very technical. Further publicity and awareness raising are needed to increase the
sector's accessibility.
The social economy is a sector where both ecology and activation are central. Limiting the sector to
one of these two aspects would be an injustice. A definition of the social economy should include a
social, ecological and economic aspect at all times. However, Europe needs to develop a clear view of
the actual content and interpretation of the social economy. The enormous diversity in statutes and
social economy enterprises within the European context, makes this a difficult process. It is not
surprising that the current focus is on specific examples; despite their different contexts and various
forms, many of these enterprises share the same practices, objectives and values. Therefore, this
definition should be founded on the values that are central to this sector.
"Green jobs" have already existed a long time. Before the concepts of "green job" and "white job" were
introduced, the sector was already engaging in ecological and sustainable activities. The social
economy's vast experience in these fields should be recognized, and the European Union should
capitalize on this and make sure that these experiences are transferred.
In view of the sector's expertise, European policy on the management of common goods should be
founded on experiences from the social economy. The social economy should also have easy access
to its management. Possibilities for private-public partnerships should be further examined.
Furthermore, the European Union should also stimulate citizenship and the involvement of citizens in
managing these common goods.
On a European scale the social economy qualifies for few specific funds. It is recommended to
develop adapted forms of financing. To do so, adopting a consistent and value-based definition of the
social economy is required. Also, the feasibility of investing public funds into local social economy
projects should be examined, so that local governments are more effectively involved and become
true stakeholders who actually help steering these projects.
The social economy and its achievements and realizations should be promoted, and awareness
among consumers and civil society should be raised.

Recognize the historical experience of the social economy on (social) green jobs, build
on this experience and work on its transferability

Instead of making the distinction between social and environmental clauses, broader
them into quality of life clauses and clarify the interpretation of these clauses

Base the European policies on the experience of social economy for the management
of the Commons. Promote the education on citizenship and the citizen involvement in
the management of the Commons.