Cities, the social economy and inclusive growth. Joseph Rowntree report by I. Vickers, A. Westall, R. Spear, G. Brennan, S Syrett. (UK)

This report examines the role of the social economy in bringing about inclusive growth that generates more and better jobs in UK cities, particularly for people who are in - or at risk of - poverty.

The report finds that:

The social economy has been shown to promote inclusive growth by creating jobs, strengthening skills and employability; building diversified local economies; and contributing to wider economic and institutional transformation.

Successful social economy development often arises from an enabling context, or social economy ‘ecosystem’ of various elements of support provision and a high level of collaboration between actors, both within the social economy and the public and private sectors.

The social economy constitutes a range of organisations that have a core social mission, including social and community enterprises; voluntary and community sector organisations; housing associations; co-operatives and mutuals; informal self-help initiatives; social finance and support providers; and alternative business models.

The report develops several recommendations for how UK cities can engage the social economy to lead an inclusive growth agenda.

The project was undertaken by a team at Middlesex University and The Open University.

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