Unlocking the Social Economy 2025

2.5 Accessibility of capacity and markets Accessibility of knowledge, technology, natural resources and markets is critical for participation in the green and digital transitions. In addition to technology and know-how, access to shared intellectual property and raw materials influences overall capacity. Through capacity-building programmes and the creation of local networks, social enterprise improves people’s access to knowledge and technology to create and sell relevant products and services. Capacity building The social economy builds the capacity of target populations to create and sell relevant products and services in the green and digital economy. Through incubators and accelerator programmes, social enterprises offer support to aspiring entrepreneurs. Support programmes often include training, mentorship and access to networks of potential business partners or investors. Social enterprise support structures in Europe typically provide their beneficiaries with networking opportunities, training, coaching, and joint awareness-raising, lobbying and advocacy.59 Social marketplaces A prime example of the social economy’s ability to improve the accessibility of markets is social marketplaces. They are platforms that facilitate the exchange of goods, services or information with a focus on social impact, community engagement or social responsibility. These social marketplaces enable micro-entrepreneurs and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that produce innovative green and digital solutions to market their products and services. These social marketplaces may introduce labels or certifications to recognize environmentally friendly or social business practices. The Fair Trade label by the World Fair Trade Organization is a well-known example of such a verification scheme.60 Good Market in 120 countries BOX 8 Green transition dimension: Rising of the platform economy Good Market is a digital commons for enterprises and networks that are working together to co- create an economy that is good for people and the planet. It was started to increase the visibility of the movement, make it easier for people to get involved, and facilitate trade, collaboration and collective action. It includes two types of shared resources: –A community-owned curation process and crowdsourced monitoring system that works across economic sectors, income levels, language barriers and regional divides. –Inclusive software designed to facilitate connection and trade, highlight and support existing networks, integrate with other platforms and software tools, and serve as enabling infrastructure. Local networks use the digital commons to support place-based movement-building initiatives like curated marketplaces, participatory guarantee systems, shared spaces and procurement initiatives. Good Market began in Sri Lanka and now serves enterprises and networks across 120 countries. Source: Good Market Unlocking the Social Economy: Towards Equity in the Green and Digital Transitions 19