The “Specific Skills for Social Economy Managers” project aimed to enhance the professional skills and expertise of managers in the social economy (SE) sector. This Erasmus+ initiative, which ran from September 2020 to August 2023, sought to address the growing need for skill renewal among SE managers across Europe. With a grant of €362,268.56, the project brought together six countries to collaborate on creating a unified training framework tailored to the social economy’s unique challenges.
Understanding the Social Economy Sector
The Social Economy is made up of enterprises that combine business activities with a focus on social transformation and equity. These organizations prioritize shared values such as ethics, democracy, social innovation, and responsibility. However, the evolving landscape of the social economy has created a pressing need for SE managers to acquire new skills and professional knowledge to meet these changes. In this context, the “Specific Skills for Social Economy Managers” project was born, building on the earlier 2008 COMCADES project, which identified disparities in training for social economy managers across Europe.
The goal of this project was to design and implement a comprehensive European training program specifically tailored to SE managers and directors, taking into account the diverse national contexts and training needs across participating countries.
Objectives of the Project
The project set out to accomplish several key objectives aimed at fostering professionalization and innovation within the social economy sector:
- Assessment of National Training Programs
The project analyzed the existing training and certification programs for SE managers in different countries. This initial research phase helped establish a solid understanding of the current landscape of social economy education, enabling the development of a more cohesive training approach. - Development of a European Training Framework
One of the primary goals was to create a common training framework for SE managers that could be implemented across Europe. This framework would address both specific skills relevant to the sector and broader, transferable skills that would enhance managers’ ability to lead their organizations effectively. - Creation and Testing of a Pilot Training Program
A key component of the project was the creation of a four-module training program, tested in pilot sessions across four countries. These pilot courses provided SE managers with 120 hours of targeted training, allowing them to develop the necessary competencies to navigate the challenges faced by social economy enterprises. - Evaluation and Dissemination of Results
The project conducted a thorough evaluation of the pilot programs, using the feedback and data collected to refine the training modules. The final results, including a training guide and policy recommendations, were shared with stakeholders at both national and European levels, with the aim of influencing future training programs for SE managers.
Implementation Strategy
To achieve these objectives, the project followed a structured implementation plan:
- Research Phase: The project team began by analyzing national contexts, identifying the training pathways available for SE managers in each participating country. This research was vital in establishing a clear understanding of the skills gaps and certification requirements.
- Framework and Program Development: Based on the research findings, a common European training framework was developed. This framework focused on both sector-specific competencies and transversal skills, ensuring that it was comprehensive and adaptable to various national contexts.
- Pilot Testing: The pilot program was designed around four training modules, which were delivered across four different countries. The total training time amounted to 120 hours, giving participants hands-on experience and tailored learning to enhance their management capabilities.
- Dissemination and Networking: Throughout the project, an active dissemination strategy was implemented to ensure that the results and insights reached a wide audience. Additionally, efforts were made to establish a European network of SE decision-makers, facilitating ongoing collaboration and dialogue around professional training in the social economy sector.
Key Results and Achievements
The project successfully achieved several important outcomes:
- Comprehensive Training Framework: A common training framework for SE managers was developed, providing a clear roadmap for professional development in the sector. This framework is designed to be adaptable across Europe, promoting standardization while respecting national differences.
- Pilot Program Evaluation: The pilot training modules were thoroughly evaluated, and the insights gained were used to refine the program. These evaluations highlighted the effectiveness of the training in enhancing the skills and competencies of SE managers.
- Training Guidelines and Policy Recommendations: A detailed guide for the training framework and program was produced in multiple languages, along with a publication summarizing the project’s results and offering policy recommendations to decision-makers. This guide aims to improve the quality of training for SE managers across Europe.
- European Recognition: The project laid the groundwork for the European recognition of the training program, which is expected to contribute to the professionalization of SE managers across the continent.
- Network of SE Leaders: One of the long-term impacts of the project is the creation of a European network of SE leaders and decision-makers. This network will continue to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of social economy management training.
Looking Ahead: Impact on the Social Economy Sector
The “Specific Skills for Social Economy Managers” project has made significant strides in addressing the training and professionalization needs of SE managers. By creating a unified European training framework and testing it through pilot programs, the project has contributed to the ongoing transformation of the social economy sector.
The insights and results from this project will not only improve the training opportunities available to SE managers but will also stimulate a broader dialogue around the need for professional development in social enterprises. By equipping SE managers with the necessary skills, the project has helped to ensure that social economy organizations can continue to drive positive change while maintaining their commitment to social equity and innovation.
For more information about the project and its outcomes, visit the official website at COMCADES.
