Non-profit organisations such as foundations, cooperatives and associations are important players in the fight against social exclusion. An EU project involving the Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography (IfL) aims to identify ways in which the integrative potential of social enterprises can be promoted.
Leipzig/Germany, February 18, 2025. What contribution do social economy organisations make in the fight against social exclusion and for greater participation of workers in the economic process? Research teams in several European countries will be investigating this question over the next four years in the joint project DICES (Driving Inclusive Care: Economic Democracy and Social Economy). A particular focus is on the role of social enterprises in the area of care work in regions that are considered to be ‘left behind’. The project, in which the IfL is involved, aims to find out how the potential of these companies to create inclusive services and jobs can be further strengthened.
DICES will initially develop a conceptual and empirical framework and analyse the integration of social enterprises into state welfare policy. The researchers will examine the framework conditions and governance of these organisations, identify best practices and develop policy recommendations. Surveys, case studies and pilot actions are planned.
A sub-project based at the IfL is specifically looking at the influence that social enterprises in the field of care work have on marginalised regions. Prof. Thilo Lang, project manager at the IfL: ‘For the first time, we are conducting a large-scale European comparative study to investigate the contribution that cooperative organisational forms of social services can make to social cohesion. To this end, we are conducting research in eight EU countries in regions where the risk of poverty is particularly high. In our joint project, we are comparing different approaches to social inclusion that are organised in a public, private or socially cooperative manner. This will enable us to identify the advantages and disadvantages of different models and derive concrete recommendations for action in terms of best practices.’
The research teams will present the results of the study in various formats, from academic articles and policy briefs to webinars and a toolbox. A book with ‘stories’ from the case regions is also planned. The aim is to reach political decision-makers as well as interest groups and the general public.
The DICES consortium comprises project teams at universities and organisations in Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Norway and Austria. The Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium) is in charge of the project. The project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme with around 3.4 million euros over a period of four years.
Further information:
(https://leibniz-ifl.de)
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