Programme Social Economy in Västra Götaland 2012-2015 Adopted on 19 June 2012 by the regional board, Region Västra Götaland
List of contents 1. Introduction... 3 2. Policy and implementation... 4 2.1 Prioritised areas of work... 4 2.1.1 Social innovation and social entrepreneurship... 5 2.1.2 Opinion-moulding, spread of knowledge and in-service training... 6 2.1.3 Preconditions for the social economy... 6 2.1.4 Research and development... 7 2.1.5 Networks and collaboration... 8 2.1.6 National and international efforts... 9 3. Analysis and evaluation... 9 2
1. Introduction The social economy is made up of activities primarily for social purposes which are based on democratic values and in organisational terms are independent of the public sector. These activities are mainly carried on in associations, cooperatives and foundations and their driving force is the greater good of the community or the good of their members. The social economy contributes to the development of society in several ways. It provides the preconditions for, and schooling in, democratic decision-making. It promotes democratic values and in this way strengthens local and regional social capital. Its activities contribute to the quality of regional development work. It contributes to private initiatives and enterprise and gives attention to, engages and strengthens groups that are often on the fringes of society. In Sweden, different types of associations, popular movements, voluntary organisations, local groups, etc. have long played an important role in creating local and regional cohesion and identity. And this in its turn contributes to increased health and well-being. The social economy and its actors will be highlighted in the Region s strategic development work and in the implementation of the Vision for Västra Götaland, regional growth programmes, partnerships, etc. Region Västra Götaland s organised work pertaining to the social economy has been ongoing since 2001. Following an extensive process, the Regional Development Committee, in close collaboration with representatives of the social economy, adopted a programme for social economy in 2005. The programme was revised in 2007 and 2011. At the request of Region Västra Götaland, Kontigo AB carried out an evaluation of the programme in the spring of 2010. Vision for Västra Götaland - The good life The Vision for Västra Götaland is the platform for efforts to strengthen Västra Götaland as an attractive region in which to live and work. The good life presupposes a sustainable development in which its three dimensions economic, social and ecological are interdependent and reinforce one another. A sustainable development requires a well functioning economy, a vibrant and healthy environment and above all participation and individual and social development. It implies long-term planning and consideration of future generations. A sustainable development means we must jointly take responsibility for the environment, for economic development and for social development. The programme for social economy in Västra Götaland is part of the implementation of this vision. The vision s five areas of focus; a vibrant and sustainable economy, to be in a prominent position in skills and knowledge development, a high standard of infrastructure and communications, to be a leading cultural region and to have inhabitants in good health, are all linked to the social economy. The vision s four general perspectives; a united Västra Götaland, gender equality, integration and internationalisation, will be emphasised in the implementation of the programme. Growth programme The aim of regional growth programmes, starting from regional preconditions, is to achieve better coordination and interwork between actors engaged in issues that affect the long-term development of the economy. The objective is robust and sustainable local labour market regions. The growth programme for Västra Götaland comprises an overall regional part and four sub-regional programmes for Fyrbodal, Sjuhärad, Göteborg and Skaraborg. The goal of the overall regional growth programme is an attractive, cohesive and internationally competitive region. The goal will be reached through investments that stimulate innovation, utilise human resources and develop the infrastructure. Efforts to promote the social economy are part of the work on the region s growth programme 3
2. Policy and implementation The Regional Development Committee with its secretariat is responsible for the programme and its implementation. Details of programme measures and activities have been drawn up in consultation with the Regional Council for social economy. This programme covers the period 2012-2015. Implementation is directly linked to the Vision for Västra Götaland and to the region s priorities for financing growth programmes and various structural fund investments. The strategy for the programme is based on the need for well developed collaboration and coordination in order to achieve full development force in the area with a large number of actors with limited resources. Development of knowledge will be strengthened and network building and exchanges of experience intensified. Furthermore, special efforts are needed in a number of areas to strengthen development opportunities for the actors in the social economy. Proposed investments, priorities and standpoints will be informed by the perspectives of youth, gender equality, integration, accessibility, human rights and sustainability. Overall objective To promote the social economy and its actors as well as to strengthen the role of the social economy for growth and development in Västra Götaland. Target group 1. Organisations in the social economy (associations, cooperatives, networks, social businesses, foundations) 2. Public administration and support structures for the social economy (for example company advisers) Indirect target groups include: Organisations working close to the social economy such as the academic institutions, the tourist industry, companies in sparsely-populated areas and public sector activities. Cross-border action In the implementation of the programme, the efforts and working methods need to be of a cross-border nature where the focus is on the subject and a comprehensive approach rather than differentiated structures. This applies both to collaboration between the social economy s organisations and between units in the region, local federations and municipalities. A sustainable development affects all sectors (the voluntary sector, the business world, the academic world and the public sector) and in the collaboration between them innovative ideas and efforts come into being. As far as possible, use should be made of communication tools that promote dialogue such as social media, in particular regarding the work carried on by and with young people. In its activities and operations, Region Västra Götaland will increase collaboration with other public actors and to the greatest extent possible work for a common comprehensive approach to essential development issues for social economy. 2.1 Prioritised areas of work In order to promote the social economy and highlight its importance for development in Västra Götaland, efforts will be made in six areas. 1. Social innovation and social entrepreneurship 2. Opinion moulding, spread of knowledge and in-service training 3. Preconditions for the social economy 4. Research and development 5. Networks and collaboration 6. National and international efforts 4
All efforts aim to catalyse activities and accelerate development processes. At the same time the programme will complement, reinforce and collaborate with national efforts such as the Government s strategic initiatives within social economy. 2.1.1 Social innovation and social entrepreneurship Objectives The programme for social economy shall contribute to: - Increased knowledge about and understanding of social economy and its importance and role for social development - In-service training at and exchanges of experience between the social economy s actors - Supporting projects, activities, systems and processes that promote social innovation - Developing new policies, and activity and result objectives within social enterprise. Social innovation In the EU2020/innovation strategy, the European Commission emphasised social innovation (innovative ideas and methods to solve social problems) as an important factor for social development. It is also proposed that social innovation be a central theme in future programmes within the European Social Fund. Social entrepreneurship and innovations (social innovations as well as service innovations) are also high on the national agenda. Efforts to promote a good climate for social innovation will be included in the programme. We will work on financing models and skill-enhancing efforts. We will adopt a holistic approach to social innovation and develop a plan for how we are to work within existing and new structures to promote and encourage more social innovations. Investments in social innovation may, for example, take place in areas such as sustainable city development, local development work, companies social responsibility and social enterprise. Other essential areas include human rights, diversity, an aging population, accessibility and health. The target group for social innovation includes both companies and the activities of associations. The Region will also make efforts to promote increased knowledge, understanding and networks between investors, business angels ( private investors) and social entrepreneurs. In this work we may, for example, take part in SOCAP Europe and similar international activities. Social entrepreneurship A sub-programme for contributing to innovative development in social enterprise was ongoing in the form of a pilot project during the period 2009-2012. In it, funds were allocated in connection with project calls with the aim of enabling small projects and associations to carry on development work. The Region has linked a follow-up researcher to the programme and during the current programme period will further develop work on social entrepreneurship on the basis of experience from follow-up research and from the Regional Council for Social Economy. There is potential development directed to inputs/areas in calls where associations may, for example, apply for innovation development, methods development or association development. Furthermore, two different levels may be utilised, a basic level and a more advanced level. Creativity workshops prior to project applications may be one way of obtaining more projects with a highly innovative project idea. The sub-regional networks will have an opportunity to contribute to the formulation of future efforts in social entrepreneurship. Future efforts can also benefit from collaboration with municipalities and local government bodies. Activity and result objectives for efforts in social entrepreneurship will also be drawn up. 5
2.1.2 Opinion-moulding, spread of knowledge and in-service training Objectives The programme for social economy shall contribute to: - Increased knowledge and understanding of social economy and its importance and role for societal development. - In-service training and exchanges of experience at the social economy s actors Organising network meetings, conferences, seminars, trade fairs, training courses and study visits that increase knowledge and skills of and in the social economy. Monitoring the world around Region Västra Götaland will develop its monitoring activities in the area of social economy and social innovation. Increased knowledge of the world around involves monitoring what is happening in the social economy, public sector and academic world, and to be updated about local and regional activities and national and international initiatives, not least within the European Commission and efforts in EU2020. Several international actors are engaged in spreading knowledge and lobbying in the social economy area, and these are good sources of information. In-service training The programme will make efforts to secure cross-sectoral work forms in which external actors contribute to and find tools and forms for collaboration and skills development. Spreading knowledge about the scope, opportunities and conditions of the social economy is an essential element in strengthening its role and position. Training key people is an important part of this. Local and regional politicians and other central actors in growth efforts will be offered training courses. Region Västra Götaland will promote more exchanges and study visits between the social economy s organisations and also promote exchanges and relations between leaders in the social economy. The sub-regional networks are important actors in implementing training courses, trainee days and study visits. The Region will take part in or arrange conferences and seminars at regional and local levels pertaining to the social economy. The programme will make efforts to ensure that the social dimension of sustainable development is taken into consideration in the implementation of regional conferences. The programme s activities will have close local ties and be carried out as far as possible in collaboration with local associations and cooperatives. Popular movement forums or similar trade fair arrangements are one way of highlighting the importance of the popular movements, voluntary organisations, social entrepreneurship and the work and activities of associations in Västra Götaland. The Region will also collaborate with the local government bodies in-service training for the municipalities. The programme will aim to develop collaboration between the social economy and decision-makers in the three sectors of society and the academic world. 2.1.3 Preconditions for the social economy Objectives The programme for social economy shall contribute to enhancing preconditions for the organisations of the social economy to contribute to a sustainable societal development. Supporting activities and projects that contribute to new approaches, methods and measuring instruments in the area of social economy. Markets are rapidly developing which means the preconditions for companies and associations are constantly changing. In regional work it is essential both to monitor developments in the world around and initiate efforts to enhance preconditions for the social economy s organisations to be active in the market. Today, many organisations start under entirely different social preconditions from those that previously applied; activities are carried on as independent networks, meetings take place online and 6
with subject matters as the common denominator rather than form of organisation. We will be forerunners in this and ensure new approaches, work methods and requirements. It is essential to develop statistics in order to produce instruments to broaden knowledge and increase the legitimacy of activities in the social economy. Improved official statistics will help to increase the visibility of the social economy among the general public, in the business world and among public sector decision-makers. A lack of good official statistics means, for example, that research and development work is inhibited. In other metropolitan areas similar mobilisation work pertaining to the social economy is ongoing. Efforts comprising knowledge, research and statistics will be coordinated between the regions. Obviously, laws and statutory frameworks written for traditional profit-generating companies are not always fully functional for organisations where social consideration is of central importance. It may be a question of managing VAT, forms and conditions for wage subsidies, labour and other legal issues. Organisations of the social economy often face statutory frameworks and systems for project funds that are of such a complex nature that small organisations cannot manage them. Issues concerning procurement are actively worked on at both regional and national levels. In Region Västra Götaland, procurement work is in progress in several areas, for example innovation procurement, commercial service in rural areas, the preconditions for small companies and sustainable procurement. The programme will work to ensure that the social dimension of sustainable development acquires a clearer role in, for example, public control systems, budget processes, procurements, etc. The Region will also participate in (become acquainted with) the working and reference groups in progress at national and regional levels in other parts of the country. 2.1.4 Research and development Objective The programme for social economy shall contribute to increased legitimacy for social economy (greater understanding, better basic data for decisions and increased knowledge). Supporting efforts in research, concrete studies and development projects in this area. Planning, implementation and follow-up of activities within the programme can benefit from close interplay with local and regional actors in the social economy; folk high schools and voluntary organisations for adult education but also with universities and colleges which are important resources when it comes to research and evaluation. The concept of social economy is considered by many to be unclear and hence difficult to describe and handle in different decision situations. Concepts such as social economy, social capital, social innovation, rights-based working methods and social entrepreneurship, and knowledge about their importance for development and growth will be highlighted through concrete studies and development projects in collaboration between, for example, municipalities and the academic world. In research projects this collaboration will be at national and international levels. The Region s universities and colleges offer courses focusing, for example, on social enterprise and have guidelines/target documents for work on social innovation. Many areas of research carried on in academic institutions in the Region are of interest to the programme. Examples of prominent research areas in Sweden include Malmö University (including Öresund University) focusing on social entrepreneurship and Ersta Sköndal focusing on the non-profit sector. Utilising follow-up research on projects and activities carried out in the programme is an alternative/complement to evaluations. Follow-up research will broaden understanding and provide input during the ongoing programme period. The Region will facilitate collaboration, contacts and networks between the social economy and the academic world. 7
2.1.5 Networks and collaboration Objective Through regional collaboration and partnerships, the programme for social economy shall identify areas of focus, efforts and activities and in this way contribute to joint development of the social economy. - Working actively with the Regional Council for Social Economy in the implementation of the programme and for development of ideas prior to new efforts and needs. - Strengthening the sub-regional networks for social economy. - Making efforts to ensure that the social economy s actors are represented in partnerships and development groups. Regional Council for Social Economy The Regional Council for Social Economy works for collaboration between the social economy and the region. The Council is made up of representatives of the social economy and politicians from the region. The Council is of central importance for developing forms of cooperation and functions as a forum for dialogue between the social economy and political representatives. It also has an advisory function prior to efforts made within the programme. The Council s formation, aim and objectives may be developed when there is a need and the preconditions exist. In connection with subject-specific discussions, the Council may also ask more representatives to join in where necessary such as representatives of additional administrations, local government bodies, associations, companies and the academic world. Sub-regional networks There are four networks for the social economy in Västra Götaland; Göteborg s Social Economy Association, Social Economy in Sjuhärad, Social Economy network in Skaraborg and Social Economy Fyrbodal. The sub-regional networks play an important role in assembling actors in the sector. In future the networks can function as catalysts for regional development issues in the social economy by identifying development needs and initiating projects based on the needs and challenges they see. The networks can initiate meetings between the public sector, the business world and the social economy. The Region has a responsibility to strengthen cooperation with the networks inter alia by finding a structure to support the development of the networks. In the social economy there are several major actors with activities affecting a large number of associations such as the sports movement, the church, rural councils, etc. The Region and sub regions have a responsibility to develop collaboration with these actors for common efforts in social economy. Informal and temporary networks are occupying an ever more prominent place in the development of society and the Region must make efforts to support new groups in the social economy. The Region will broaden its own networks and work to increase contacts with new actors in social economy. Partnerships, collaboration in development groups, rural programmes The social economy must be represented in partnerships, steering and working groups for development programmes, rural programmes, growth programmes, EU programmes, etc. 8
2.1.6 National and international efforts Objective The programme for social economy shall contribute to: - Raising awareness of, initiating and assisting in national and international developments in social economy and social innovation. - Increasing national and international knowledge of the actors in the social economy. - Taking initiatives for a national network for regions and cities work on social economy. - Promoting national and international exchanges of information among actors in the social economy. - Region Västra Götaland s participation in REVES. Region Västra Götaland will participate proactively in and in different ways contribute to national development in social economy and social innovation. It is essential that the Region cooperates with current national actors in the area and that it both strategically and in practice collaborates with other regions in Sweden. In this context it is important to establish good cooperation with local government bodies in monitoring the world around and opinion-moulding on issues concerning social economy at local, regional, national and international levels. In its action plan for international work, Region Västra Götaland has established that the Region will support international collaboration between popular movements and non-profit organisations. Our operating organisations in social economy need support for opportunities to create networks and international exchanges. REVES The Region is a member of the European network of Cities & Regions for the Social Economy. The network works to achieve increased cooperation at local and regional levels and to have an influence on and improve the preconditions for social economy at the European level (The European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee, etc.).the network is also a project owner of major European projects and coordinates projects between the members. As a member of the board of REVES the Region has a direct opportunity to take part in decisions in the network that contribute to European development in social economy. The network is an important instrument for international exchanges and networks in this area. Göteborg city and Coompanion are also members of REVES. The Region will continuously review international networks in which it is important to participate in order to promote exchanges of experience in social economy. 3. Analysis and evaluation In the spring of 2012, the Regional Board decided that the region, together with the social economy, should formulate a regional agreement between the social economy and Region Västra Götaland. The matter was put to the Regional Board by the sub-regional networks for social economy and was prepared by the Regional Council for Social Economy. Work (both internal and external) on a regional agreement will be important for the programme, and also the process and dialogue that a regional agreement implies are significant for the implementation of the programme. Follow-up and evaluation An annual review of the programme s activities and implementation will be reported to the Regional Council for the Social Economy and the boards and committees concerned. Follow-up will be carried through of all the projects financed within the programme. The follow-ups include reporting of the results of the projects indicators, target fulfilment and activities carried out. A plan for how follow-up is to be implemented shall be included in the project application. An independent evaluation of the programme will be carried out prior to the next programme period. Central aspects of the evaluation will be relevance, effects, target fulfilment and public benefit. 9