Developing hidden talents

How work integration social enterprises (WISEs) support people from disadvantaged groups in developing their skills

The European Social Economy Action Plan has outlined a comprehensive strategy to leverage the social economy's potential in promoting employment, growth, and sustainable development (for more information see the EU Social Economy Gateway). Within this framework, Work-Integration Social Enterprises (WISE) stand out as important stakeholders, offering employment and social inclusion opportunities to disadvantaged groups. As we look ahead, it is essential to highlight the role WISEs can play in delivering on the European Pilar of Social Rights and in advancing the competitiveness of our economy. Only by developing the full potential of all Europeans, we can build a strong, social and competitive Europe.

The session featured examples how social economy organisations work with and for people from disadvantaged groups and thereby contribute to strengthening Europe’s labour force and competitiveness. Ruth Paserman (European Commission) presented the policy context including the upcoming midterm review social economy action plan.

Patrizia Bussi, Director of ENSIE (European Network for Social Integration Enterprises) elaborated on the benefits of work integration enterprises and the challenges they face. Krista Krieviņa, Deputy head of the “Cerību spārni” association presented the work of the Latvian social enterprise “Visi Var”. Located in Sigulda, Visi Var employs people with disability, their relatives and people from socially disadvantaged groups. The social enterprise sells their products in a charity shop, all the income is invested in various charity projects, social support and the purchase of equipment to create new jobs. There are currently five workshops: woodworking, sewing, knitting, printing and creative. Employees are encouraged to be trained to work in the open market if they can, if not they are given the opportunity to work with the social enterprise.

Finally, the session looked at questions related to technology and mobilizing investments in skills development: Lieven Bossuyt, Head of Lichtwerk (Belgium) explained how use digital technology (light projections of instructions) can be used to assist and train workers and thereby open new possibilities for work integration social enterprises (as well as regular companies), allowing them to work on complex technical tasks while ensuring high quality output. Gaëtan Herinckx, Partner & Investment Director at Phitrust (a Venture Capital ‘impact first’ investment manager focused on inclusion trough work or inclusion through product and services) presented how social impact investing can help to scale up work-integration.

Speakers

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