Local SSE policies in support of socio-ecological transition brings together seventeen working papers in response to a call for contributions launched by the GSEF's ‘Research’ working group. Coming from all corners of the world, these papers provide an overview of various direct and indirect local public policies supporting the social and solidarity economy. The scales vary, ranging, for example, from small municipalities (El Hoyo) to larger cities (Bordeaux, Grenoble, Montreal). The texts also identify contexts where local policies are derived from policies developed at higher levels, such as provincial (Gangwon) or national (Morocco, Haiti) policies. Finally, the examples demonstrate the great diversity of the SSE, ranging from a cultural festival in a rural area (Italy) to community and municipal banks (Brazil). These multilingual working papers, which bring together texts written in English, Spanish and French, highlight the processes of (co-)construction of local policies through experiences of institutionalizing the social and solidarity economy, which sometimes involve collaboration with actors in the field and sometimes political appropriation.

This publication, produced at the initiative of the TerrESS Chair at Sciences Po Bordeaux and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Chamber of the SSE, with the support of the VYV Group, aims to report on the contribution of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region to the global roadmap of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It provides concrete examples of the role played by the social and solidarity economy (SSE), not on the margins, but at the heart of economic, social and ecological transition, supported by the views of experts, public institutions, regional networks and researchers.

This initiative comes in the context of the historic UN resolution adopted on 18 April 2023, recognizing the SSE as a key player in the achievement of the SDGs. The booklet lists numerous initiatives in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, ranging from citizen energy cooperatives to reuse, sustainable agriculture and digital inclusion projects, positioning them within this global framework. The SSE is described as a cornerstone of the transitions thanks to its structural mode of action based on SDG 17 (partnerships and cooperation).

The world is in crisis and the challenges are staggering. As tensions, fears and, above all, feelings of powerlessness multiply, there seems to be only one possible solution: cut-throat competition and individual sacrifice. However, alternatives do exist, and among them, the social and solidarity economy (SSE) is one of the oldest but also one of the most fruitful. Ideas and actions: all over the world, its actors are developing, today as in the past, other ways of producing, sharing, protecting and innovating, for the benefit of both people and the planet. On the occasion of the global forum being held in France, the Jean-Jaurès Foundation, the City of Bordeaux and Upcoop invite you to discover the actors, ideas, places and practices that are building this major alternative, which is more alive than ever, every day across five continents. Want to live and act in a different future? Take a tour of the SSE planet!