MOOC Platform for Social Economy upskilling

The baSE project has launched a free MOOC platform offering 10 courses designed for social economy stakeholders. These courses address key Green, Digital, and Fair & Inclusive transition areas and are available in English, with several also offered in partner country languages.  

Topics include sustainable practices, digital transformation, ethical leadership, and social impact assessment. Learners can explore EU tools, systems thinking, and universal design to support change in their organisations. The platform supports the sector in navigating the triple transition towards a greener, more digital, and inclusive social economy. 

Time to Act: Cooperatives Gather to Tackle Global Crises

Cooperative and social economy leaders will convene in Torres Vedras, Portugal, on 27-28 October for the 2025 Global Innovation Coop Summit (GICS). The event coincides with the UN’s International Year of Cooperatives, highlighting its timely relevance.  

Centred on the theme “Facing the Tipping Points”, the summit will explore cooperative responses to pressing global challenges such as climate change and inequality. Sessions will emphasise rebuilding trust, aligning with core values, and reimagining the future of work. Participants are encouraged to engage, collaborate, and contribute to lasting change in the cooperative movement. 

European Social Economy week

The European Social Economy Week, taking place 15-19 September 2025 in Murcia, Spain, will feature panels on Social Economy Action Plan progress, national social economy strategies, and funding.  

The event will conclude with the 2025 European Social Economy Awards recognising excellence in key sectors, with one category focused on skills.

Interesting best practices to explore:  

Ecofficine: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Communities Through Education and Collaboration

Ecofficine is a social cooperative fostering social and environmental sustainability through community-based initiatives. Their inclusive approach engages schools, public bodies, non-profits, businesses, and citizens, promoting active participation, collaborative networks, and shared responsibility. Their initiative offers valuable insights for educators, social economy actors, and local development practitioners working to strengthen proximity economies and build more inclusive, sustainable communities.  

Advancing digital inclusion through Digi4All in Bulgaria

Digi4All is a Bulgarian programme dedicated to enhancing digital inclusion through free, localised training available at over 400 hubs. It has empowered more than 32,000 socially disadvantaged individuals with crucial digital skills.  

By improving access to online public services, Digi4All tackles digital exclusion and fosters greater participation in the digital economy. Its decentralised and inclusive model supports social integration and helps reduce inequalities.