The ecosystems of the social and solidarity economy: essential for the challenges of our time

Marie J. Bouchard, Jean-Marc Fontan and Benoît Lévesque

Chapter 9 in A Modern Guide to the Social and Solidarity Economy, 2026, pp 188-208 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The concept of an “ecosystem” is gaining traction in the field of the social and solidarity economy (SSE). Such social and cultural ecosystems are complex, and also distinct from natural ecosystems. This opens up new perspectives for analysis and interventions orienting the SSE towards social and ecological transition. This chapter first clarifies the concept and its various uses for (1) businesses, innovations, and knowledge; and (2) for the relationships between social and natural ecosystems. It then provides an overview of the concept's uses in various fields, including that of SSE, followed by an examination of SSE ecosystems at four geographical scales: international, national, subnational, and local. In the fourth and final section, the chapter combines these elements to identify the concept's strengths and weaknesses, and the reality of SSE ecosystems in the context of an ongoing social-ecological transition. It concludes by outlining paths for future research and interventions, and key elements to retain.

Keywords: Social and Cultural Ecosystem; Business and Innovation Ecosystem; Territorial Ecosystem; Social and Ecological Transition; Scenarios for Transition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035310890
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