What innovations in socially just economic activity are emerging in the North of England to shape sustainability transformations? What alternative economic forms can be seeded, scaled up and proliferated elsewhere?
The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) theme seeks to explore socially just economic activities within the North of England which are helping to shape sustainability transformations. Using a range of methodological approaches, we will investigate alternative forms of enterprise such as repair cafes, community power, alternative food networks, social enterprises and transition towns. We are specifically interested in activities which have issues of equity, justice and sustainability at their core.
Our aim is to understand what works where, why and for whom, recognising that SSE activities in one area of the North of England may not be easily replicable in another. Longer term we will draw on place-based knowledge to examine how alternative economies may be seeded, scaled up and proliferated elsewhere. The co-production of an Economic Empowerment Tool, developed in partnership with actors across the SSE sector, will provide a resource for SSE members and interested others to disseminate knowledge and impact of SSE initiatives.