Social Economy Public Policy Research

1. Social Economy Public Policy Research Social Economy Hub 2009/10 Uvic and Canadian CED Network Rupert Downing

2. Purpose of the Research Mobilize knowledge on the public policy instruments being used in Canada and around the world to strengthen the social economy and its outcomes. Engage practitioners, government, researchers and other stakeholders in determining how to improve the enabling environment for the social economy in Canada.

3. Purpose of the Research Provide evidence-based inputs to the Summit of SE actors in June 2010 to map a public policy agenda to strengthen the social economy in Canada that builds on successful models

4. Phases of the Research International literature review Advancing the Social Economy for Socio-economic Development Crystal Tremblay Analysis of key policy instruments and their potential outcomes for public policy inclusive of co-construction opportunities and needs Draft analysis of next steps to strengthen the policy environment in Canada

5. Phases of the Research Engagement with stakeholders on how to strengthen the public policy environment Knowledge mobilization with nodes and partners on policy-related research findings Final report published, submitted to SE Summit May 2010

6. Literature Review Economic, social and environmental crises spurring convergence of civil society around concept of social/solidarity economy Growing networks (national and international) for practitioners, research and policy development Increasing governmental policy support BUT policy paradigms far behind socio-economic models being created

7. Literature Review European Union and national policy initiatives in Europe: social economy unit in European Commission; cross-government frameworks; enabling legislation in Spain, Italy, UK. Similar initiatives including constitutional reform amongst South American nations US initiatives on Social Innovation, social and CED financing

8. Literature Review “There is a growing global movement to advance concepts and frameworks of the Social Economy (SE) as a way to address increasing inequality of social, health, economic and ecological conditions, to provide alternative solutions to the perceived failure of neo-liberal dominated globalisation and to address the weakening social capital of communities.” p.10

9. Literature Review “the level of development that the sector achieves is directly correlated to the nature of the supportive environment, the strength of the sector infrastructure, and government commitment toward enabling the development of this environment and infrastructure through policy, programming, and funding.” p. 35 from Adeler, 2009.

10. Literature Review Range of policy outcomes being promoted “Species capacity to act for fusion of economic, social and ecological goals” Ending poverty and social exclusion Addressing climate change, peak oil and ecological sustainability “re-localizing” Changing economic systems of capital, trade and financing – pluralistic and people-centered economy

11. Typology of Policy Outcomes Territorial (community and regional) development, urban and rural Inclusion for disadvantaged populations (work integration, training and “insertion”, immigrant settlement, women and gendered development) Human, social and economic development (micro-credit, local currencies, social enterprises, social financing, procurement)

12. Typology of Policy Outcomes Unique role of SE in sectors: Health care; community social and cultural services ; education; agriculture/food; housing; fair trade & ethical consumption; sustainable resource management; renewable energy; child care; home care Indigenous Development Sustainable development and ecological stewardship

13. Typology of Policy Instruments Constitutional measures that guarantee rights in a plural economy (Ecuador, Bolivia.) Political responsibility and structure across government (e.g. Brazil) Legislation of state requirements and structures to support the SE (Brazil) Policy framework explicitly supporting SE by government (Quebec, EU, Belgium)

14. Typology of Policy Instruments Program funding to SE organizations (EU, Quebec, Manitoba) Supports for social enterprise development, and sector-wide governance Legislation of legal forms for SE organizations (Mexico, Brazil, UK, Italy) Access to capital, financial and tax benefits Procurement policies advantaging SE organizations (e.g. Italy, France)

15. Typology of Policy Instruments Program funding for which SE organizations are eligible Policy and program initiatives supportive of SE organizations role in particular sectors (e.g. coops & energy Ontario) Policy and program initiatives supportive of components of the SE but not the whole sector/system (e.g. CDI Canada)

16. Co-Construction Analysis Higher end governmental policy advances linked to united movement of SE actors Key components in building that unity: Building identity and self recognition within a wider movement/system with shared values Credible public face related to public interest (not self interest) – “valeur adjoutee” Purposeful inclusion of labour, social and environmental movements

17. Co-Construction Analysis Key Components Sector owned structure for representation and co-construction of policy Relevant research providing evidence for public policy development Systematic advancement of mutual benefits across component sub-sectors (coops, non profits, credit unions, civil society associations)

18. Questions What key policy initiatives could further develop the social economy ? How can we build greater cooperation on influencing policy amongst actors in the social economy ? What research products – engagement could support your policy advocacy ? What do colleagues working in government need ?

19. Contacts WWW.CCEDNET-RCDEC.CA WWW.SOCIALECONOMYHUB.CA RDOWNING@CCEDNET-RCDEC.CA