France Advancing Social Economy and Inclusion with Cooperative Growth and Corporate Initiatives

France is witnessing significant strides in social economy and workforce inclusion, particularly for people with disabilities, through cooperative growth and committed corporate networks.

Archimède, a cooperative society (Scop) based in Damazan, Lot-et-Garonne, recently inaugurated a new 4,000 m² facility to enhance its document archiving and professional reintegration efforts. The cooperative, managed by Rodolphe Pontens and employing 36 people, has seen substantial growth since adopting the cooperative model in 2013. Archimède now manages over 30 kilometers of archives annually and digitizes nearly one million documents each year. Beyond archiving, the cooperative has facilitated 180 professional reintegration paths, fostering social inclusion in the region. Archimède’s partnership with Paprec Trivalo extends its mission by providing waste sorting services to individuals undergoing professional transitions, further cementing its role in social and solidarity economy in Lot-et-Garonne.

Meanwhile, on a national scale, the Manifeste Inclusion initiative continues to broaden its impact. Launched in 2019 by Sophie Cluzel, former Secretary of State for People with Disabilities and current president of Manifeste Inclusion, the initiative has grown to include over 130 companies committed to actionable inclusion practices. The movement emphasizes the vital role companies play in social cohesion through hiring, training, and innovation that benefit people with disabilities. However, challenges remain as studies show discrimination against applicants mentioning disabilities still exists.

A key highlight is the DuoDay event scheduled for November 20, designed to pair employees with disabled individuals to transform workplace perceptions and foster employment opportunities. Companies engaged in inclusion initiatives report better retention rates, increased innovation, and broader team engagement. Cluzel underscores that inclusion is not merely a favor but a strategic opportunity for businesses and society alike, urging more companies to join Manifeste Inclusion.

These developments showcase France’s dual approach—strengthening cooperative social enterprises while mobilizing corporate networks—to build a more inclusive economy that values diversity and supports professional integration for all individuals.