How to Promote Cooperative and Social Economy Ecosystems through Public Policies: The Valencian Case

Abstract

For the social economy to reach its potential to generate inclusive prosperity, it must be embedded in supportive ecosystems. The question arises whether, from a public policy perspective, government policies can effectively activate and promote such ecosystems. This article addresses the nature of social economy ecosystems, identifies key elements of a public policy aimed at promoting them, and investigates whether this action increases their institutionalization in a territory. To this end, following the presentation of a theoretical framework, an analysis focuses on a case of public policy to promote the cooperative ecosystem, the “Plan Fent Cooperatives” of the Valencian Community. The results indicate that this strategy, described as a second-generation public policy for the promotion of the social economy, contributes to consolidating a favourable cooperative ecosystem in the region.