The Scientific Commission on Social and Cooperative Economy of CIRIEC-International has launched a new International Working Group dedicated to the study of public policies for the Social Economy from a comparative and international perspective. The initiative aims to bring together researchers and specialists from different countries to analyse how public policies can contribute more effectively to the development of the Social Economy and what lessons can be drawn from experiences implemented in different national and regional contexts. The Scientific Commission invites researchers to join the Working Group, with applications open until 31 July.
The Group is coordinated by Rafael Chaves, Professor at the Universitat de València and President of the Scientific Commission of CIRIEC-Spain; Marguerite Mendell, of Concordia University (Canada); and Carmen Marcuello, Professor at the University of Zaragoza and President of the Scientific Commission on Social and Cooperative Economy of CIRIEC-International.
The creation of this Working Group responds to the growing prominence of the Social Economy in international, European and national policy agendas as a tool for promoting more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economic development. In this context, CIRIEC aims to provide a permanent platform for scientific collaboration that facilitates knowledge exchange, comparative analysis and the generation of evidence-based policy proposals.
Among the Group’s main objectives are the analysis of public policies to promote the Social Economy, as well as the study of different governance models, legal and institutional frameworks, financing mechanisms and public procurement policies that support the development of the sector. The Group will also address the evaluation of the impact of these policies and the analysis of emerging trends that are shaping the future of the Social Economy in a context of profound transformation and uncertainty.
Towards an international research community on public policies for the Social Economy
In addition to fostering the exchange of experiences among researchers from different countries, the Working Group will provide opportunities to develop collaborative research projects, participate in international scientific publications and contribute to conferences and seminars organised by CIRIEC. The initiative seeks to consolidate an international research community specialising in one of the most dynamic and strategic areas of contemporary public policy.
The call is addressed to researchers, university lecturers, doctoral candidates, members of the CIRIEC scientific network and experts in the Social and Solidarity Economy interested in taking part in this international research project.
Interested persons can consult the detailed programme and express their interest in participating by completing the application form made available by CIRIEC. The deadline for submitting applications will remain open until 31 July 2026.
With this new International Working Group, CIRIEC reaffirms its commitment to promoting research excellence and to building international scientific networks capable of generating knowledge that supports the design and improvement of public policies aimed at strengthening the Social Economy worldwide.
