Advancing the social and solidarity economy in Switzerland: Support networks, needs and prospects

How are SSE entities connected and supported in French-speaking Switzerland and nationally through SSE networks?

The SSE is dynamic and well rooted in French-speaking Switzerland with local networks that help connect and support its development. These include APRÈS-VD in Vaud, APRÈS-GE in Geneva and APRÈS-BEJUNE, which covers Berne, Jura and Neuchâtel. Together, they form a network of independent regional chambers that bring together cooperatives, associations, foundations, social enterprises and other SSE actors, representing more than 1,000 members across a wide range of economic and social sectors.

These networks draw on substantial, and in some cases long-standing, field experience. They provide advisory services, have in-depth knowledge of local economic realities and support local initiatives.

Nationally, regional SSE support networks, including the APRÈS networks, cooperate with actors like Social Entrepreneurship Switzerland (SENS), a national umbrella organization for social entrepreneurship and the social economy in Switzerland.

Based on your experience in the Canton of Vaud, what forms of support through SSE networks can contribute to the development of SSE entities?

In the Canton of Vaud, APRÈS-VD supports the development of SSE entities in different ways. It facilitates networking opportunities, provides advisory services, delivers capacity-building and training, undertakes advocacy activities, promotes an enabling policy environment, analyzes local needs and opportunities, and supports the development of local industries. It also raises the visibility of the SSE, connects enterprises with partners, finance and markets, and encourages collaboration and knowledge exchange among SSE actors.

How do SSE support networks cooperate within Switzerland and engage with European and international networks?

Within Switzerland, SSE support networks collaborate through jointly organized events and advocacy activities aimed at strengthening the recognition and the development of the SSE. The regional APRÈS networks work closely together around a common mission and also cooperate with SENS at the national level. Beyond Switzerland, we engage with European and international networks such as RIPESS Europe and ESS Forum International.

These collaborations have highlighted the importance of building stronger institutional partnerships and developing more concrete initiatives that demonstrate that another economy is not only possible but already exists. Closer coordination among networks can further amplify their impact and extend their reach.

Through your work, what are some of the main needs expressed by SSE entities today?

The three main needs, as expressed by SSE entities, are greater visibility, stronger institutional recognition and improved access to finance.

Greater visibility and recognition are needed if the SSE is to strengthen its place in a changing economic landscape and contribute more effectively to discussions on the framework conditions that shape its development, including access to adequate and sustainable funding.

What untapped potential does the SSE have in Switzerland, and what is your outlook for its future in a changing world?

The SSE represents a pool of existing solutions that can support the transformation of our economic system towards an economy that operates within planetary boundaries while meeting people’s basic needs. In Switzerland, its potential could be further unlocked in areas such as sustainable food, mobility, renewable energy, affordable housing and the circular economy.

Many relevant initiatives already exist, but greater visibility, institutional recognition and support are needed to help them grow. Stronger links between the supply of and demand for goods and services that support the ecological and social transition, together with more supportive legislative and macroeconomic conditions, could help these initiatives move beyond the prototype stage and become more widely adopted.

Despite the challenges, I am optimistic about our ability to strengthen different sectors, consolidate economic models, deepen cooperation among stakeholders and increase our influence on regulatory and institutional frameworks. These efforts can help promote an economy focused on meeting basic human needs while respecting planetary boundaries.

The views expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the International Labour Organization.

About the interview:

“Spotlight Interviews with Co-operators” is a series of interviews with co-operators and social and solidarity economy (SSE) actors from around the world with whom ILO officials have crossed paths during the course of their work on the cooperative, social and solidarity economy portfolio.