Despite the increasingly remote way of working, there’s nothing like getting together to advance our shared agenda: intense and fruitful discussions, mutual learning, unique social moments like joint walks, rides and meals. A unique feeling of satisfaction when we realise that we’re all moving forward (and in alignment!) with the complex work ahead of us. Our partner EURICSE brilliantly organised this gathering turning it into an opportunity to discover the city and its WISEs.
Here you have a summary of some of the key topics discussed in Trento in the course of this gathering:
UNLEASHING THE TRANSFORMATIVE POTENTIAL OF #WISES
A central aim of this third plenary meeting was to crystalilse the insight from all the partners on the transformative potential of Work Integration Social Enterprise– WISEs, based on initial work done across the eight countries included. The focus was on the main dimensions, challenges and tensions that may alter this potential across contexts. Despite the huge contribution that WISEs do to the well being, work quality and dignity and autonomy, there are numerous obstacles that prevent them from reaching their full capacity to inspire the rest of the social economy and society.
SELECTING THE CASES THAT WILL BE THE FOCUS OF THE PROJECT IN THE NEXT YEAR
This first discussion led us to the second very lively session on the selection of the 24 case studies that form the core of our collective research effort. There are many possible ways to move forward given the richness of the sector, so was will select four WISEs in each countryted to illustrate not only the diversity of this type of social enterprise in terms of legal forms, foundation date, size, activity fields in each country but also their positioning and role in challenging, altering or replacing parts of the dominant status quo… and innovating.
It was quite a challenge to agree on what we wanted to find out about these incredibly interesting organisations and the people who work for them, so that we could make comparisons and extract relevant policy recommendations. Stay tuned to learn how we select them and which ones they are in every country.
VISITING LOCAL COOPERATIVES
We spent an entire afternoon at one local WISE: Cooperativa ALPI. Martino Orler accompanied us through the history and functioning of this incredible organisation that currently runs three business units and contributes to the work integration of 300 people any given day. One of the business units, REDO Upcycling, has become a fashionable brand that is appreciated by direct customers, retailers and other businesses. A true dive into how to do business with the guiding value of integrating fragilised people back into society through work and care.
WORKING TOGETHER TO DESIGN THE BEST RESEARCH TECHNIQUES AND PROTOCOLS
This is not to scare anyone but if you think that coming up with an interview protocol for the 24 case studies can be do quickly then you should have been there! In addition to the prior work done by the coordinator of this task, there was an incredible collective effort to fine-tune and activate the personal and team ownership of the proposed questions and guidelines. Comparative international research is a complex task that we witnessed can be successfully achieved with a lot of expertise, experience, interaction and exchange that result in excellence and peer learning. In the case of WISESHIFT, representative networks are part of the team so their contribution is invaluable.