Abstract
PURPOSE AND PROSPERITY WORKING HAND IN HAND
A world where economies are measured by the extent to which they generate positive social and environmental outcomes – this is the new reality being shaped around the globe by the social economy. A collaborative ecosystem of organisations,ranging from charities and cooperatives to social enterprises and certified B Corps, that place societies’ wellbeing at the very heart of their operations. A thriving economy can only exist as part of healthy communities and a sustainable planet.
While specific definitions vary depending on regional differences, a common set of principles unite these organisations:
• Leading for purpose over profit, with a core commitment to achieving social, cultural, or environmental outcomes.
• Reliance on collaboration and cooperation across diverse industries and sectors – both public and private.
• Reinvesting most profits and all surpluses to deliver social benefit to community users or society at large.
• Abiding by participatory governance and business models that follow inclusive and sustainable principles with a focus on social progress.
The social economy has a significant economic contribution globally, representing an estimated7-10% of global gross domestic product while simultaneously addressing growing socio-economic and environmental challenges around the world.
Here in Australia, a lack of research means there is limited understanding of the full potential of the social economy as a conceptual framework. Collecting data across relevant organisations allows us to understand the growing movement toward promoting more inclusive and sustainable economies and justify systemic support for their growth.
A 2023 review by the Centre for Social Impact found no publicly available, systemic and repeated data collection of the whole social economy sector, its structure or dynamics.
This first comprehensive research into Australia’s social economy seeks to change that.
The Centre for Social Impact (CSI) has begun this three-year longitudinal study to create the evidence base to guide the development of Australia’s social economy, investigating the challenges, opportunities and changing needs of our not-for-profit and for-purpose organisations. Building on a growing focus on the social economy internationally, the research explores key areas including funding, partnerships, impact measurement, legal and policy frameworks, and digital technologies.
Our survey of 140 Social Economy Organisations (SEOs) uncovered a diverse ecosystem addressing critical societal needs — primarily
community development, employment creation, and education — while operating predominantly as small organisations with democratic governance structures.
A world where economies are measured by the extent to which they generate positive social and environmental outcomes – this is the new reality being shaped around the globe by the social economy. A collaborative ecosystem of organisations,ranging from charities and cooperatives to social enterprises and certified B Corps, that place societies’ wellbeing at the very heart of their operations. A thriving economy can only exist as part of healthy communities and a sustainable planet.
While specific definitions vary depending on regional differences, a common set of principles unite these organisations:
• Leading for purpose over profit, with a core commitment to achieving social, cultural, or environmental outcomes.
• Reliance on collaboration and cooperation across diverse industries and sectors – both public and private.
• Reinvesting most profits and all surpluses to deliver social benefit to community users or society at large.
• Abiding by participatory governance and business models that follow inclusive and sustainable principles with a focus on social progress.
The social economy has a significant economic contribution globally, representing an estimated7-10% of global gross domestic product while simultaneously addressing growing socio-economic and environmental challenges around the world.
Here in Australia, a lack of research means there is limited understanding of the full potential of the social economy as a conceptual framework. Collecting data across relevant organisations allows us to understand the growing movement toward promoting more inclusive and sustainable economies and justify systemic support for their growth.
A 2023 review by the Centre for Social Impact found no publicly available, systemic and repeated data collection of the whole social economy sector, its structure or dynamics.
This first comprehensive research into Australia’s social economy seeks to change that.
The Centre for Social Impact (CSI) has begun this three-year longitudinal study to create the evidence base to guide the development of Australia’s social economy, investigating the challenges, opportunities and changing needs of our not-for-profit and for-purpose organisations. Building on a growing focus on the social economy internationally, the research explores key areas including funding, partnerships, impact measurement, legal and policy frameworks, and digital technologies.
Our survey of 140 Social Economy Organisations (SEOs) uncovered a diverse ecosystem addressing critical societal needs — primarily
community development, employment creation, and education — while operating predominantly as small organisations with democratic governance structures.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Centre for Social Impact |
| Number of pages | 27 |
| Publication status | Published - 2025 |
Keywords
- Social economy
- Australia
- Collaborative ecosystem