The 10th CIRIEC International Research Conference on the Social Economy, held from 27 to 29 October 2025 at Sciences Po Bordeaux, marked a turning point in international cooperation around the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE).
As part of the GSEF 2025 Global Forum, which took place immediately afterwards from the 29th to 31stOctober in the same city, a protocol of agreement was signed between CIRIEC and GSEF aimed at strengthening research, dialogue and joint action in support of local and regional economies and the socio-ecological transition.
The agreement was signed at Bordeaux City Hall by its mayor, Pierre Hurmic, also co-president of GSEF, and Bernard Thiry, president of CIRIEC-International, in the presence of the director of CIRIEC-International, Barbara Sak; the president of CIRIEC-France, Alain Arnaud; and the president of the Scientific Commission of CIRIEC-Spain, Rafael Chaves.
Combining scientific knowledge with practical experience
According to both organisations, the CIRIEC-GSEF partnership will deepen the connection between academia and SSE stakeholders and networks, social movements, local governments and international institutions. The goal is to create a cooperation platform that brings together scientific knowledge and practical experience, designed to document the realities of the sector, identify its challenges, and develop common strategies to promote inclusive and sustainable economies through the social economy.
For social cohesion and the defence of democracy
The international context in which this initiative emerges reinforces its importance. Experts have warned that the erosion of the social contract and the rise of authoritarianism are threatening the democratic and solidarity-based values that underpin our societies. In this context, cooperation between CIRIEC and GSEF represents an opportunity to strengthen collective action strategies and explore the role of the SSE in safeguarding social cohesion and democracy.
CIRIEC and GSEF are confident that this new alliance will help strengthen applied research, public policies and international cooperation networks that promote a more democratic, resilient and environmentally committed social economy.
