What we do
The OES21 is oriented to the social economy analysis from two different approaches and with future perspective:
- The analysis of the social economy evolution from its own dynamics in order to respond the current challenges it is facing.
- The contribution of the social economy to these important challenges by itself and for other social and economic environments.
From this point of view, the OES21 will devote much of its means to examine the future global challenges that affect us to generate answers from this double perspective.
Mission
To generate knowledge about social economy in order to improve its positioning.
Goal
Deepening social economy’s relevance in front of the new challenges posed by society’s evolution.
Values
Forward-looking. The study of the present and the past as the foundation to build the future.
Collaboration. Networking with relevant actors from an inclusive perspective.
Economy’s holistic and interdisciplinary approach. Taking into account the different human dimensions and paying particular attention to the SDGs.
Local perspective - global impact (and vice versa).
LINES OF ACTION
Mainly, the OES21 activity is structured on three workstreams:
1. Research
The research, conceived as the basic workstream, allows the OES21 to generate knowledge about social economy. The rigorous analysis of the present and of the recent past is used to understand the logic of the different evolutive logics; research is undertaken with a future oriented focus in order to anticipate the challenges that social economy is (and will be) facing and to find the answers that the global challenges demand from us.
2. Knowledge transfer
Knowledge transfer for the purpose of disseminating and sharing the resources and content generated by the Observatory and other relevant references for social economy. From the cooperation with other entities and institutions the OES21 will establish communication channels to amplify the dissemination of this knowledge and its impact.

3. Teaching
Teaching as basic instrument to consolidate social economy knowledge as a social transformation tool. The OES21 is willing to join current educational offer and to contribute to the definition of training programs, continuously or occasional, alone or in collaboration with other entities, in those issues that might be of interest to social economy.