REPORT ON TRENDS AND CHALLENGES FOR WORK INTEGRATION SOCIAL ENTERPRISES (WISES) IN EUROPE. CURRENT SITUATION OF SKILLS GAPS, ESPECIALLY IN THE DIGITAL AREA.

• Published on October 14, 2022
• Prepared by  Euricse with the support of all the B-Wise Project partners.
• Link to the B-WISE Report

The report aims to contribute to develop a strategic approach (Blueprint) to sectoral cooperation on the skills needed to reinforce the empowering work of WISEs in strengthening the skills of WISEs’ workers and to sustainably tackle the digitalisation challenges they face. Drawing on 27 country fiches, face-to-face interviews and an online survey carried out in the 13 B-WISE partner countries,  the report analyses the main drivers, features, and development trends of WISEs in the 27 EU Member States and examines skills needs and gaps of WISEs’ workers, in particular regarding digital skills.

Here are some key implications of the report for social enterprises in Europe:

Opportunities for growth

• The report highlights the important role of WISEs in providing employment and support for vulnerable groups facing barriers in the mainstream labor market. This underscores the need for WISEs across Europe and opportunities for the sector to consolidate and expand.
• WISEs operate in diverse economic sectors, though predominantly in labor-intensive industries like manufacturing, construction, cleaning etc. But they are also expanding into higher value-added activities like ICT, culture, heritage management etc. This indicates potential for growth into new domains.
• The broadening of target groups beyond just persons with disabilities to include long-term unemployed, NEETs, migrants etc. allows WISEs to increase their social impact.

Need for tailored policy and legal frameworks

• The lack of specific legislation in some countries constrains the development of WISEs. Clear legal status and tailored policy measures are essential for the consolidation and scaling up of WISEs.
• Fiscal incentives, public procurement procedures favoring social enterprises, and funding schemes specifically targeting WISEs can accelerate their growth. Access to markets is a key policy issue.
• Promoting networks and collaboration platforms for sharing knowledge and resources between WISEs can boost innovation and effectiveness.

Capacity building for digital transformation

• Technology adoption and digital skills are lagging in many WISEs especially among supporters and workers with support needs. Targeted strategies are vital to address this skills gap.
• Policy initiatives to enhance digital literacy of staff and workers, facilitate assistive technologies and support digital infrastructure in WISEs are important to tap the potential of digitalization.
• WISEs need both financial resources and organizational capabilities to keep pace with technology advancements relevant for their activities and beneficiaries.

In summary, the report highlights policy and capacity building priorities for enabling WISEs to fully leverage their strengths in integrating vulnerable groups, while addressing digitalization challenges.