Growing Momentum in France's Regional Social Economy and Business Networks
Regional France sees growth in social economy and entrepreneurial networks with new initiatives fostering employment and business collaboration.
- • The social and solidarity economy (ESS) in Grand Est supports 30,500 non-relocatable jobs, comprising one in seven private sector positions.
- • 182 events including the Village des solutions de demain will raise awareness about ESS in November in the Grand Est region.
- • Actisud 52 celebrates 25 years, growing from 30 to 100 members and playing a key role in economic adaptation and labor market foresight.
- • GTEC program and pandemic response highlight Actisud's evolution into a strategic economic partner for local businesses.
Key details
France's social economy and employment initiatives are gaining renewed attention and expansion, as illustrated by recent developments in the Grand Est region and the Haute-Marne department.
In Meurthe-et-Moselle, the social and solidarity economy (ESS), officially recognized by a 2014 law, continues to evolve from its 19th-century roots into a vital part of the economy. Coraline Gaillet of the Chamber Régionale de l'économie sociale et solidaire highlighted examples such as Bataville and modern cooperatives like Welcoop in Nancy. Notably, a group of 57 employees took over Bergère de France as a cooperative, underscoring the sector's dynamism. The presidency of Chaynesse Khirouni emphasized that ESS is now "not just a part economy, but a full economy." With 30,500 non-relocatable jobs and a payroll of 780 million euros, the ESS accounts for one in seven private sector jobs locally. To raise awareness, 182 events are planned throughout the Grand Est in November, including the Village des solutions de demain on November 7-8, gathering 86 ESS actors to discuss entrepreneurship, youth engagement, and more (source 108927).
Complementing this, Actisud 52, a business club in Haute-Marne, is marking its 25th anniversary on October 24. Founded to combat the isolation of entrepreneurs, it has grown from 30 to about 100 members, enhancing its reach and impact. As detailed by president Sébastien Zender, Actisud has broadened its role beyond networking to strategic labor market foresight through the Gestion territoriale des emplois et compétences (GTEC) program, addressing workforce aging and skill gaps. The COVID-19 crisis further entrenched Actisud as a pillar for local businesses. It fosters collaboration with elected officials and new initiatives like Afterworks and educational partnerships to promote local career pathways (source 108935).
Together, these initiatives demonstrate the dynamic nature of France's social economy and business networks at the regional level, fostering sustainable employment, social engagement, and economic resilience through cooperative and community-driven models.